I want to move some place
neutral but new,
like Asheville or Wilmington
or Davenport,
and start over.
My poetry
is not an apology.
Set yourself on fire,
and don't be afraid
to burn bright,
ash anew,
find tomorrows
that don't touch
yesterlands.
I want to be new,
maybe meet a girl who
doesn't know me,
and who I can surprise.
The past has funny fingers
and I want to tickle it.
Save the warpaint
for quiet violence
and sort out the okay
for what it is.
No more doorways,
just bloodred bluejays
and I want to sneeze somewhere
I have never sneezed before,
like a backyard just shy
of sunset foothills
where arrowheads are found.