Nevada

I know a place where stones are laid,

Without mortar.

So we made our bed under the shade,

And searched for water,

But all we found were dates and times of our memories in chalk outlines.

There’s a blackout in the city tonight

‘cause your cutting cords on Harlem River Drive

Mommy stomps on egg shells, daddy walks on coals, sister is never where she says she is.

You’ll find me in the front yard counting stars saying, “this is what the universe is”.

I was in a hospital bed. I sat up. The person next to me said, “You shouldn’t be awake yet”.

“There’s a blackout on Harlem River Drive”

So I listened to what she said. I laid back down. I closed my eyes. I woke up at home in my bed.

This is what the universe is: I saw you in a dream with flowers and rosary beads.

Mommy stomps on egg shells, daddy walks on coals, sister is never where she says she is.

You’ll find me in the front yard counting stars saying, “this is what the universe is”.

All we found on Harlem River Drive is what the universe is.