The Urban Elf

The clustered clamoring metallic madding crowd miraculously parts and there is nothing before you but clear open lanes as far as you can see; suddenly you are rocketing down the highway into a bright winter morning feeling every subtle twist and curve sure of yourself and your machine forgetting in that moment your destination is to labor in the salt mines of tedium; you are Lindbergh, Earhart, Skywalker; you are flying.

I live for moments like this. Sure, the old cantankerous claptrap (thank you Dr. Smith) is a fickle and vexing mechanical menace, but when she’s happy we’re both happy, few and far between though those times may be. This morning she took to the road with a throaty growl and an athletic enthusiasm. Please excuse me now while I rap my knuckles on every immediately available piece of wood.

-

A crackle of frost softens my edges
And sharpens my bite
Blurs the boundaries between me and the world
Sends rabid the cowering animal warmth
Spewed froth blinds my eyes
Creeping chill numbs my pained and painful parts
Winter’s dream takes me
Quiets my angry heart

for Theo and Andie

Four arms hold him close
Two as one swim in music
Three eyes adore her

The night is black
And may it always be
Until I am lost to sleep
And awakening delivers me
Unto a fresh new year
And a promise of what will be
Let this night be complete
And tomorrow fill me
With the light of dawning
And endless possibility