Aeverius

Almost to the phone, I hear the scream. Been waiting twenty minutes for a chance to hear my child Sleepily mumble "Daddy?" over telephone line. But that shout means a mission; boots kick up dust As I spin, dash towards my truck, forgetting to breathe ‘Til I yank open the passenger door, and in my ears- the pounding of blood. I’m grateful for the caffeine that lingers in my blood. Been awake way too long. I impatiently scream “Get over here, Jones!” –and I cringe, take a second to breathe. Shouldn’t yell at him, he’s still almost a child But we have no place for children in this land of dust. He ho

If I weren’t so hyper-attuned If I didn’t feel the stares of others As harsh as these fluorescent lights I might not even notice On the periphery of my vision As you glance at me surreptitiously Before scampering around the corner Flip-flops clattering on linoleum Failing to quite suppress a giggle. I’d leave it at that If I didn’t catch you Drifting towards me and Away again twice more Like a hummingbird Flitting about a Strange yet fragrant flower As we unexpectedly pass face-to-face I ponder tipping you a wink So that we can be complicit In this odd little dance With its unfamiliar steps But that u