There’s Always Some Bird Dog
By Alli Warren
Guards demand we waltz
the teeming hedge
soldiers spread
but can’t quell
what wells
worthwhile’s a made shape
wafting about
in the night so green
all bright ornament
and creamy delay
I take off my hat
I get off and walk
O skin be strong
expand rewardable range
build steady wealth
of shared play
don’t end at lending
nouns to property
consult the ear
consult the air
claim common right
to lick up excess
as a lock’s for frisking
a gale’s gaping gate
they say the submarine
which waves no flag
is a violator vessel
how soft its coax
how smooth its thick white head
adorned and anointed
the bodies of my loves
the fear grins
of great apes
Source: Poetry (September 2014)