He was another straw man.
She turned way so easily, she smiled
innocently enough.
Everything fell down around
our Mickey's ears.

After this dream he awoke
with a terrible thirst.

He climbs out of the wreckage,
but with difficulty
for he wants (oh Mickey!) to take
the greater part away with him.
He baits his own trap
with brandy and water.
He catches dust
and clamorous loneliness.

Grasslands Review, 12 (Winter 1995): 62.

© 1998 by K.J.H. Berland