the chase

the curtains on the porch have fallen
sodden from the low front's assault
days of swollen skies like sadness inside out

you are at home
with mother so i fill out the hours
imagining you as my daughter, now,
if i were younger what  these sheer panel
curtains could be for dolls
that hold your inner fears and woes.
or you might wear this worn denim hat crown
chasing ducks along pondbanks, stamping your foot
when you can't catch the ducklings, offended.real
tears fall from your skies.
i can't say why i keep the torn hatstrap
it has a leather slip knot that might be useful in
monster time when the beast seems
indefeatable till you catch it at the doorway
and slip the noose around its neck.