daughter's new house

he wrestles with her new carpet
stripping edges like
trimming fat off ham
his blade sharp
his line true

the carpet falls snugly
in all corners
he's even manicured a perfect pattern
which flops from the same piece
onto the closet floor

he's painted ceilings and walls
stained trim and doors
yet this house will not breathe

in the morning
he returns for touch-up
and finds his daughter has
taped a note saying
that all the drywall screws have resurfaced

overwhelmed
he is suddenly inhaled by
stubborn ghosts breaking free from
plaster and the
ardent stench of fresh paint

spinning 'round
he opens windows
offering safe passage

and as he recalls her genie wish
her place
to be heard
to be given length
he secretly rubs a promise
made in flames of morning stars

 

check out dan's new book:

PAGAN SUPPER - Pudding House Publications.
• review by michael basinski •

Slipstream reviews with
michael baskinski:

• Number 20. 2000
• Number 21. 2001
• Number 22. 2002

Slipstream Press announces the winner of the 15th Annual Poetry Chapbook Competition with the release of WHAT LANGUAGE by J.P. Dancing Bear. The chap is filled with rich, honest, and well-crafted poems lifted from life experience which offer the reader fresh insights and lingering images. (40 pages; $7.00 from Slipstream, Box 2071, Niagara Falls NY 14301). Visit Slipstream Press for further information and details.

ALSO: Slipstream #22 is now available from the same address for $7.00. It features the poetry, fiction, and photography by 50 writers, poets, and artists including Liza Porter, Gerald Locklin, Lyn Lifshin, Robert Cooperman, Vincent Tortora, David Hernandez, Dan Sicoli, Catfish McDaris, Donna Michele Hill, Livio Farallo, David Chorlton, Norman J. Olsen, Serena Fusek, Dory Adams, Johnny Cordova, Sarah Freligh, and Martin Vest.