A Craft Of Knots

“Three kinds of knots there are,” she said, “to tie things
because things can blow away when the wind sings
because things can try to fly with broken wings
because things can still fall where an embrace clings.”

“A noose makes a secure loop,” she said, “like rings.
A bend makes fast flexible things, like queens, kings.
A hitch makes a kind of unity and brings
flexible and firm both away from their flings.”

Damn it, she thought, the cabin of a boat
should be bright with sun, fresh with a cool breeze.
This boat is cluttered. Dirty. Closed. Hot. Dim.

Kiss? she thought. A reply caught in her throat.
Am I supposed to get weak in the knees?
“I think not,” she said. And laughed. And shot him.

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An Embrace On The Past