Moonbred

When the daystar gave up light
And fled
From street lamps highly stalked, 
Dark shore cried corners by the chair.

Park-bound, 
Dogs barked ears and breathed 
Through grey-lipped mouths. Streets opened 
And closed like ratty ports. 
Coldness ashore 
And kissed

Like knives.

Wintry waves flooded—replaced
Our gasps, our sight, and with a stranger warmth
Blackened our eyes.

Dale Chou
2003-12-03