Thomas Zimmerman

Leaf-Light
   for S.H.

We walk in green-gold leaf-light, wife and dog
and I. In cool breeze, smaller branches creak,
the sound like infants mewling. Dreams of bog-
men flicker through me: I was born too meek
for that, for this is only Midwest mud;
the dew will rinse our shoes. I bear no spear
or sword or shield; my mouth, no taste for blood.
A poop-bag gloves my good hand. Bless my fear.

I flex what’s left of biceps, pecs. Yes, time
has had its way. I’ve learned that feelings come
and go; just do your work. No irony.
Now I imagine music and a rhyme
aslant in scudding clouds above that hum,
You’re lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky.

Thomas Zimmerman (he/him) teaches English, directs the Writing Center, and edits The Big Windows Review https://thebigwindowsreview.com/ at Washtenaw Community College, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. His poems have appeared recently in dadakuku, Grand Little Things, and The Minison Zine. His latest book is Dead Man’s Quintet (Cyberwit, 2023). Website:  https:/thomaszimmerman.wordpress.com; Twitter: @bwr_tom; Instagram: tzman2012; Facebook: Tom.Zimmerman.315