A life without breath is unable to fill the cracks
left by the impact—
stone against bone.
Forgiveness is easy, acceptance is
unavailable.

Glide through a clear, suspicious sky.
Past naïve dirt groves and
submarine streets, where
saline speeches cease to
matter.

Stumble through kerosene
kisses left by lovers
drowning with honor
and regret.

Picture pin-ups laid
across swollen steel, sliding
past olive branches, and seaweed, and
Aloha.

Tip-toe the line
separating dizzy from dismal.
Wonder
if you are the man you thought you would be.

Glenna Lynne Schubert