POSTCARD FROM THE NEXT VILLAGE OVER
Two people meet in a stanza and kiss.
I transport black nettle to the edges
of the republic. That is just how it is here.
The gold dust of history is so deep
it must be swept aside with the garbage.
Of course there is no doubt—happy birthday—
that the friend of happiness is the friend.
But you seem haunted. Are you sure
you're the only one in your head?
Sarah Elaine Smith is the author of the novel Marilou Is Everywhere and the poetry collection I Live in a Hut. Subscribe to her weekly bibliomancy forecast at sarahelainesmith.substack.com