FOR THE ANALYSAND

Nancy Baxter

Pieces of syntax and her mother
concerned only for the smokeless
blue container on the glass table.
Of the many things left overdone,
last night's handshake: conscious
of holding so many metacarpals.

Perhaps she should pull shoelaces
from a headache and stop apologizing.

Every imprint of shoehorn openings
in blue served with a handful of sun-
flower seeds. Then wait for the next
vaccine or military expedition.
The hour is up. Who can tell her to stop
holding her shoes just off the couch.

©Copyright Nancy Baxter