He went in through the E X I T
when hed gone around
and around and around
and seemingly couldnt get inside
denied
he relaxed then and leaned
up against a sheetmetal worked and riveted bulwark door
it appeared he had just been out
they let him in
he smiled returning their smiles
helped from inside
when inside was what denied him all along
it hadnt fallen for
his eyes effortless guile or pleas
inside was always placing him outside
begging to see if he could return
see if he was
patient enough diligent enough
resourceful enough to slip its bonds
which he always seemed to recognize
too late were never knotted or
locked
they
simply wore the expressions one
expected and conjured
and the
expressions to explain the reasons for
failing or the excuses they were willing to
oblige
then set free
he kept on picking at the
lock
systematically turning the tumbler
making music
of their ticks and whirls
music
of
the birds voices roosting above in the chestnut trees at dusk
the music of cicadae and night insects teasing those that would prey on
them and try to
seduce mates
of tires spinning on
pavement and the differences in their
rubber-plys protesting over rivulets run crossedwise over thin concrete cooling tarmac ribbons of thick bitumen repair and the thumps of uneven and badly patched potholes
as long as he
didnt have to play it or sing
he went in through the E X
I T
a newlyminted entrance
Content
no one was willing to follow him
2216, Saturday,
19 7. 14
