Masked in Hyacinth
(#16, from "Behind the Hills of Egypt")
It was first no more a glint of eye caught
in the crush of vacant crowd, the ash
flared from a roaring fire wriggling in the dirt –
So easily avoided, stamped and left in
gray, but for the shadow that danced the
corner of my eye.
I can’t catch an ocean wave or
fool myself to believe I can control a baby’s cry.
When want steals, Kleptomania, the emperor, rides
masked in Hyacinth. No sweeter leaf
floats a vapor to a swirl that I must close
my eyes to all the cliffs and cares, all the
knives and deadly wares.
I pour my ocean out to need.
Let my mouth be filled with sand –
Blind to think the land can fill the sea while
never past the edges lap.
You tumble in and back while
I evaporate in air.
~ Copyright © 2008 by Susan Durant. From Behind the Hills of Egypt. Used by permission of the author.