The Deer Drafts

1|

She drinks brandy. This thing
with both thumbs smudging
the glass. Then I touch her hair.
We move through the time
like a radio. I wheeze like a radio
into her ear.

2|

The twigs and spindles of ice
on the window, autumn
houses, burnt autumn housing.
The way she takes me
to her mouth

3|

Not a real deer, but I swerve and Look
someone says, a deer. By the hoof.
My coat is covered with hard brown hairs.

4|

Always brushing her teeth
after dinner, saying
things about sleep.
But I’m reading a book.
She reaches across me
to tug down the light and always
brown moths dotting her breasts.

5|

I lift the spine
from a fish and see it
colored like a bad peach.
I plug my hands in there,
fiddle a little and look.

6|

The lights throw
the walls off, my knees rising
to cover her face;
I’m man with recliner.
You know, the essentials.