Getting Acquainted
By Cammy Thomas
– for Geoffrey Nutter
Is this an American tree?
It must be, it’s here.
Where will you sleep tonight?
In the hotel near the vineyard.
Did you notice the hyacinths?
Yes, curled like Odysseus’ hair.
What have you left behind?
A scent like Ethiopian chrysolite.
Will you tell me your history?
When you bring me water cherries.
We must return to the conference.
Is it in the same hotel?
Yes, and what do you think of it?
Ugly. What about your room?
Yes, ugly. Room 409, view of a frozen river.
Some things will melt.
Why pretend in this sidereal time?
Can we not meet?
You’d have to use your cloak for a raft.
It’s done worse than that.
Bring me a sassafras leaf so I recognize you.
I’ll bring a knife and a looking glass.
Copyright © 2021 by Cammy Thomas.