self-portrait [assessing the subject]

grey hairs draped over the nape
like a waterfall
crashing at the base of the head

who from a great many ages holds erect
beams of wealth in the oral tradition,
pasted cantos,
| wall | to | wall | patterns |
of speech

they must be had
before this man ends—
when conjoined the line of souls discolored
who smoke like sulfur scent skyward

austere from redundance;
the tired shades and seasons

crouching behind him—in the silence

we are conscious of our lungs
we are tickled with fever in the tall grass
for a smooth acre of flesh to place our hand.