The Alteration

Self-regulation is widespread.

But there is no exemption for

what happens when we notice it.

Consciousness is a soft thumb,

the subtlest of pressures, that

alters everything; no thing is

not touched by this tiny bushwack.

Now the word on the street is

alteration.

In town a local deli is connected to a

small bar.  I remember the two spaces

as a tailor shop. One touch remains as

a reminder. Over the doorway that connects

the bar to the deli is a sign that reads:

"Alterations within."

In a local dream someone showed me

a photograph of the moment when

sleep finally connected to wakefulness.

As from a newsreel a voice said it was

the greatest achievement in our history.

The photo showed two pieces of half-eaten

fruit. "What's this?" I heard myself say.

"You just missed the two parrots," said the voice.