Amongst all this

Between the distant sound and smell of the studio
green tea and pot and beer and news radio and podcast-
I used to paint, before kids
at least the second
kid
Now recall and try to believe in
Ghosts and comforts
Listen to Liege and Leaf
mildly faint under the smoke and songs
Hardly breathe in bed.

I clearly avoid, under this sun, to fix the gate the ants have unhinged
Or haul out the white trash where the scorpions and snakes have surely squatted

In a dream on death, on National Geographic, where the clouds went so fast
So far from a square dance at a catholic elementary, a Luau
Even wearing gloves, they bite through
& Is between.