Vernal

Henry Kearney, IV


 

1.

The season swallowed itself.

Puddles sickened, thick with yellow pollen.

Last night the dead snap
of limbs in a storm.

The dog still fears thunder.

I still sleep on my side of the bed.



2.

What does it mean
to wake to the world alone,
in Spring?

It means the tulips
are the bent necks of dragons.

It means the days
are long walks through bright cemeteries.

It means you are human,
and have some explaining to do.