For Paul and Silas

Two sea birds
walked
where wings became
a liability.

They sensed the storm
pressing
heads
into a toilet

blotched cheeks
eyes sunk deep as
an arched
doorway

the Moon -- pale
night nurse --
observed reported
impotent to intervene
.
the Sun tortured the sheets
but could not ring
from them admissible
confessions

Who sounded the alarm?
Who pounded on doors?
Who carried the invisible
purse of Silence?

Love stole them blind.
With no reason for locking
or unlocking doors
they flew away.

Where do gulls go to
ride out a hurricane?
Who smooths the linen echo that
the long gray hall rolls out?
LFM