When I woke out of my reverie
(thank you Jesus thank you Jesus thank you Jesus
the scans weren’t worse and make my life
a testimony to your righteousness)
the oaks that swerve up East Rock Park
announced their white-barked symmetries
against the winter-darkened marsh
with such insouciance
I believed not only all of this was real
but that the clouds’
lavender croissants of vole fluff
such soft smudged smut
might heal
not just us but the whole deal, this
Connecticut, by Constable
Published in the March 2021 issue: View Contents