as the hickory
blowing in an autumn sneeze
swirling yellow leaves
flying in a dancing tease
carried off in a sliver
floating down the river

I’ll shed this
as a python
with the lights on
rid this cast of blood-red
so, I don’t take it with me
to bed

I'll shed this
as a woolen coat
as the sun pokes its nostrils out
and melts me like a burning candle
I have my hands on the handle