United State

by Jeffrey Cyphers Wright

Blown sidewise, cherry blossoms flee
from branches. Over the street they slide,
a moving rug, and turn the gutters pink.

People are happy to watch the Titans play.
To practice their backhand. To stream
the latest meme about societal extremes.

The marrow of sorrow stirs in my bones.

I like it when you correct m y misnomers.
We look up how to pronounce sepulcher.

We look up George de la Tour. Then we
eat strawberries and kiss the good night.
In the dark, eyes shut, our states unite.

When I get to Portland, I’ll send a card.
The sea will begin and white lilies ignite.