Trees In The Pasture (for Judy)

if i were in a high place
where gold shivered like money mattered
and eyes     shone
in incoming headlights
and people driving by looked low
and sneered

if my calendar
were stuck on one day
and were illustrated only
with black paper

if your halo
were seen bright as a hubcap
encircled with rhinestones
and a drop     of black velvet
were behind all paintings of you

if seeing the world
were an organized religion

if chickens
spoke english
but never spoke to us

i would not have met you
even in a high place
would not even have dreamed of you






from The Troubles (1993)