she told me a story
of wandering the earth
set forth against forces
larger than her
she walked neighborhoods
night and day
and told me she
encountered
hissing deer
and
ducks raping
ducks
i didn’t know
what to say
and soon
after that
we parted
on the drive home
i fell asleep
and when i awoke
i was in my driveway
there were no ducks around
and
i was
thankful for
that.
Tohm Bakelas
aiurea press 