Anniversary Shoot

they told their story
one in a million chance
truly, math whiz
she calculated the odds
sixty seconds different
a few toasty degrees
another wrong turn
so many ways it could have gone
if not for that day
they never would have met
and the alternative timeline seems sad
not to see the joy
shining from crinkled eyes
or his hand reaching for hers
without looking or thought
and the new life growing
sadder than Shakespeare tragedy
to imagine another wrong turn
a few toasty degrees
sixty seconds different
for this calculated miracle
of incalculable bliss

Internal Earthquake

internal earthquake
feeling the pitch and reel
but only in my head
chasing a seat
quick as the hare
but slowing to not upset
until I'm perched
fixed pointed gaze
willing the end of movement

"Do you do birthday parties?"

idle chatter
with an eavesdropper
sliding in seamlessly
making requests that floor me
because it's a hobby
capturing moments on film
resident photographer
labelled like it's a real thing
and not a game I play
but he doesn't laugh
straight in the eyes
wondering the camera type
and if I would be free
before leaving with child in arms
with me in confusion

Wish (for) Granted

shame on you
looking past the point
beyond declarations of deed
like ships passing
you watch the movement
and think you know the destination
his port in the storm
always by your blind side

Mouse Hunting

skin tight
and muscles twitching
remembering the execution
as I watched his shallow breath
imagining panic behind his eyes
when the blow fell
flushed with justification
and equal horror
at the necessity