ACCOMPLISHED DREAMERS
                            

                                        The dead begin as dolls
                                        lolling in wintry nobility,                         
                                        but collect and release
                                        billowy clouds                            
                                        until they regain the fluidity 
                                        of their lives—finally
                                        spattering forgiveness
                                        like rain on concrete.                            
                                        Take for example P...,
                                        so long under slab,                           
                                        now so fully loved by F...,
                                        who heretofore hated                            
                                        her weakness (hot heart,
                                        could not drive in traffic,                            
                                        fish, or chair committees).
                                        Easily distraught, easily
                                        taught what she so easily
                                        forgot, easily silenced
                                        and led to tears, now she
                                        is dearly loved, indispensible                            
                                        as he had been to her.
                                        Disgusted, once he watched
                                        her mouth the words “plinth,”
                                        “wicket,” “alcazar.”                                                        
                                        --Tonight, he shapes and sounds
                                        out loud, “transvaal,” “chowchow,”                                                                                                                                                         
                                        “finestra,” sending them
                                        circling like bees to the tops
                                        of live-oak trees, and feels                                                                       
                                        a light breeze carry her