reformed harpsichord
identify and catalog     this birdsong
comparing       this boat neck to the       guidebook figure

a ship made of wings?
(where am I going?)    to no one
‘s relief                           to no one
‘s comprehension        clinking false
champagne towards mother aphrodite sky

stranger hair spirals in collar bone pools
how long can I look?
(what do I look like?)                            prey
ing on rose flush forearm                    prey
ing on bow of white calf                      praying to one
day acquire        normal desire (what does it mean
that the soft translucent
shoulder of a        man
makes me so          so             sad?)    )          )                )

the angle makes all the difference
in soaring fledgling or shy     boxy     girl
wearing peacock fascinator over virgin     hair

a cherry sheen for spring        garners
zero percent of the orchestra
into belly        of ready linen skirt
held to catch              )         )         )

pulling guts like ears
all shame        ages in      throat
waiting for some red
wine phrase to erupt from        maturity
(would you like to dance?)
hipless short creatures       should remain
in nest until        called backstage
(don’t be ridiculous
we’re in a broom closet)

looks like         someone
got       snagged in
the      moment
so deeply her      dress chiffon
shredded on the         thorn   )         )         )

)     )     )

                                                                                        )                   )                    )

curling iron      in mouth
candle stick              in corset
wrong costume                off the rack
(where am I                                   going?)
the harpsichordist rises and             gently
pushes incorrect bird         off terrace

(now we can get on with the evening
        (someone please read the introduction          (         (         (