and spastic last
kiss was like making
a noise to make sure
I was there.
Your quiet
mouth was only
space -- a kiss
reversed and kept
inside to bite.
-Graham Foust
Am I stranger, or they?
These retail nomads,
Fine silk foraging
In mall microcosms.
Building a Mecca
From hand sanitizer
and the kiosk glow
Am I just one among them,
My ancient wandering
Another bustling particle?
Stairs spiral into elevators
A woman carries her dog,
And leashes her little girl
Santa sings in November
no errand errant of purpose
we all shop in our own ways
some for pieces of red meat
others for something to blame
