_DSC1353
Photo: Joseph M Arthur

A List of Things I Cannot Do With a Tire
--Dan Cavallari

I wanted to think I could pick 
You up
Encourage you to shine or
Vaporize
Maybe even sing like crickets

I could hold you up to gather
Rainwater
And wonder if my own moisture
Might help
Because you look so thirsty

I don't mean to treat you like
A criminal,
But you see, this fence separates 
Us 
And all I want to do is touch you

I think it's clear by now,
Evidently
The world has rotted both of us
And I 
Can no longer tell to whom I am speaking.

Rivulets drop
But you cannot drink.
Translucent throat,
Voracious earth,
Lopsided need,
And you will still be here tomorrow.