BRENT GOODMAN

Brent Goodman is the author of The Brother Swimming Beneath Me (2009 Black
Lawrence Press), finalist for a Lambda Literary Award and a Thom Gunn Award,
and the forthcoming Far From Sudden (2012 Black Lawrence Press). He lives and
works in Rhinelander, WI. http://www.BrentGoodman.info

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The Sky Behind Us

Tomorrow you suspect another bird
might strike your 2nd story window.

*

The cordless phone swallows each collect call
from the Wisconsin Correctional Institute.

*

One cloud snaps taut across the entire sky.

*

This morning you wake up naked,
a sudden smudge angel
feather-pressed near the center
of the big bay window.

*

Every voicemail for a week
carries a message recorded
of a recorded message.

*

Cold rain. Between
your house and the neighbors'
the last Sugar Maple flashes over,
dripping sparks.

*

There is a sound in dream
which reminds you of sleeping
inside a glass drum.

*

Try to imagine
how your house might resemble
more sky.

*

You don't know anyone by that name.
You don't know anyone by that name.
You don't know anyone by that name.

Press "1" to accept these charges.

*

A body with two wings
wants to pierce your living room.

*

Your neighbors draw
their curtains.

You don't own
any curtains.

*

When the phone rings
you know exactly why
not to answer.

*

The bird's last thought
inside the glass
looks left.

Depending
where you stand
in the room
the angel appears
or disappears.

*

When our path reflects
the sky behind us
may we fly right
through ourselves.

*

You spend the rest of the evening
wondering whether you might be
related to someone named

"Sherman."

*

Outside,
three doves on a power line:

one facing, one away —

Where is the third bird?

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