Strange Places

in earth dreams

her limbs are all sky
her body inhabited
by wild birds and busy
mammals—

an endangered species.

she lost her head
where reason gives
the impression everything is
clear.

she motions to dance
a rhythm spins
and turns attracted
to light.

if she had eyes I would see
the stars she holds
dear.

then there are all
the words she escapes
slips past their curved

seashell ears as they listen
to capture her

on the page. my words
are already changing her

while she weaves gossamer
and soft moss to hang

in autumn woods.

the poem first appeared as a second place winner
in Padora's Collective poetry contest, Spring 2006