five five-line poems

1
the wind is changing direction
but our kites are still flying to the sun
if you hear a whistling sound
maybe your lips are making the shape
of a rocket attack


2
a lone stand of trees braces itself
against a black wind
feathery bark peels and flutters
like hair, or wool, or tobacco falling
from an unlit cigarette


3
did you notice the weights that were left on the hood?
i followed the footprints away from the cars
and saw where they led:
a pile of old cans, stacked as high as a house
and lying in front was a dirty old man in a plastic bag


4
i have a complicated way of bearing witness,
a tooth fairy's knack
for making discreet expeditions into the night
freeing teeth from mouths
for little more than coffee money


5
einstein in a gorilla suit
telling you that
time does not exist
while he relieves you
of your wristwatch