lizard nose in a hollow constellation of leaf-stars.
strapped to her back. Meant for canoeing.
Fashioned for a toddler’s haul. Her hair cut short.
around in circles with plastic sea turtles in hands.
Is this fun? I ask the boy and he says yes.
around themselves in quarter notes.
in the music. A net not noticed.
I want to alter my body.
I want to alter my mind to the clearness between A and F.
I am a curious mind who wants to know.
I want to be here when there, there when here.
I thank god all night but still tie up my camel.
I make a sun in that little pitcher.
In search of always morning, in love supreme.
Betsy Wheeler is the author of the poetry collection Loud Dreaming in a Quiet Room, the poetry chapbook Start Here, and Mental Detours—a pamphlet of ambulatory writing exercises from Shape & Nature Press. Managing Director for the Juniper Summer Writing Institute, she lives with her fiancé, Meghan, in Northampton, MA.