Haiku U and Other Stuff

Hi Folks: Last night I visited a gallery at W. 26th and Lorain for an opening exhibit that included the work of my friend, fine arts photographer Donald Black, Jr. He'd spent some time going in and out of abandoned, foreclosed properties all over the area including the southeast side of Cleveland and Shaker. His black and white images, sparse as a pine box--inspired this rough draft that came this morning. Would appreciate any and all feedback. Peace, Mary

Insecurity

For: Donald Black, Jr.

With or without my chain
I’m as impotent as a long old man
Handless, my skin chips drop
to a floor left like an unwashed
body. Splinters are tears
floating through this house, my core
wounded like a soldier’s spirit at war—
no noticeable scars.

I see cars drive by, a driveby,
the last U-Haul truck hauling
the last load away, hastily tossed
kid-shoes, mama curlers, housecoat,
running shoes, icebox with door
removed, stove with one pot,
dressers as weary as the face of my
lover, a side door, her name
the sound in this house as she closes
and locks, leaving me—a nude
front man—signifying nothing.

Mary E. Weems