From the observatory

I keep myself 
In this portion of the room
A sliver of folded glass

Window between the ears: 
A goldfish man-faced, 
Lips shut, cheeks puffed up 
Red and gloomy—
The end of the world 
Outside: the weather is served 
On plate chimes; the thunder 
Marble-veined and full of glory. 
In a pocket of time

I am sane:
Sane and merry and hopeful
Against the angst of the mute sky; 
I am merciful and soft
'Midst the rainy feathers. 
I keep between the shelves 
The daily wonders that surprise 
And breed the soundly clutch of the jugglery 
Every time I breathe 

Vertically, into the still air.

Dale Chou
2007-06-15