Edge of Whirls
for April on her birthday

out of a belly as perturbed as mine is
can I put forth a poem

all mixed up in Cuba
its luxury, its squalor

a city decomposing
like teeth decay
in need of attention
is it forthcoming

you luscious, delicious, voluptuous
full of twenty-plus Christmases
full of Easter eggs
arms full of bunny rabbits

birthdays to celebrate
as of late, away from home
with friends instead of family
loved nonetheless

cheerful colors, cheerful flowers
matching a heart of joy
a smile so bright

hoops, hopes enough for circus tricks
for circus clown, for tigers, bears

for laughing children applauding loudly


© Obediah Michael Smith, 2008
5:25 a.m. 08.06.08