by Robert Beveridge
Barefoot walk through clover patch
muggy summer day
on shore, the dead watch barefoot
from the holly tree in delight
as you spread your towel beside
the rose bush, lie down to tan
as inside we hibernate, hibernate,
hibernate until we no longer
have to swim to the convenience
store between classes
stop at the chapel on the way
to English, shake every
proffered hand, make a promise
to no one, wondering if
you’ve been worthwhile *
Tie your hair so the back
of your neck tans, a dab
of honey behind each ear.
* “Make a promise to no one, wondering if you’ve been worthwhile” is a quote from the Toad the Wet Sprocket song “Way Away” (Bread and Circus, 1987)
Robert Beveridge (he/him) makes noise (xterminal.bandcamp.com) and writes poetry in Akron, OH. Recent/upcoming appearances in London Grip, Tomorrow and Tomorrow, and Sin Fronteras, among others.
