Stones In Ambit
November 1, 2022

wave to the neighbors as I walk out
they’re coming in for something, I dunno
but the elderfolk have spotted a porcupine
and that’s business out in the sticks
rifle safe down left, wave right, finger to lips
then hand up – pause, stand there

decent line, no backstop, hup up on the cedar post
what holds in the frame on the raised garden bed
giving an extra wee bit, just enough
maybe thirty, thirty-five inches, plunging angle – that’ll do

it’s after I take the shot I realize a spectacle has been made
barefoot, and the day-glo short shorts are finestkind
blaze orange T and overs for the ears, safety glasses
prescription in bright red so I can tell ‘em from the others
likewise to my needs, but for close in soldering
a flow to it, round into chamber, close bolt
check field of vision, raise, breathe, release

hop off the post, lock the bolt back, pocket spent shell
nod – mornin, name, name, coffee – a question
because if you’re going to decoratively WTF
out here in the memory of civilization, do it deadpan

downstairs, a minor reality break has taken place
elderfolk glad for company, getting out the chicory
guests mean the good stuff, and how hand tremor
well, that means the young’un’s on the sharp end
‘specially as that particular rifles’ the one with spirit
fucked to a fare-the-well after beating that last SOB
clip anchor ripped out dirty, sight bent, stock cracked

either way, more local folk will use the quills maybe
or already have their own – bone crowd maybe some bone
beetle farm going strong – and if not that, the woods
well, the woods will do just fine – have another cup

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#poem #poetry #writing #cottage #horror