poem

 Gossip

1.

When it’s all over

It’s either a total silence

That swallows time 

Or you hear muffled voices 

On the other side 

Of a closed door

And no matter how hard

You press your ear

Against the cold steel

You can’t make out a word.

2.

Hell is knowing

They’re probably 

Talking about you

3.

Heaven is understanding

Language is a wave

Washing over edges

Of massive continents 

Of silent meaning.

Eventually there’s nothing left

But a gray wet sand 

Extending sideways in both directions

As far the universe is long. 

4.

To the left are footprints

Emerging from the sea.

To the right is nothing

But smooth sand

Patiently waiting

To be disturbed.

7/31/26