First Talk
My first talk of every day is to God
because at 4 a.m. there’s no one
else up. Of course, if should I lose a crown
down the drain brushing my teeth,
I might say the word shit. There’s room
always for an alternate fact. Usually,
though, I speak first to God, as all folks
throughout time beseeched the Ruler of All
enthroned over myriad swirling spooks
in paradise. After marching a mile
in morning dark when only a few trucks
glare on me, I stand drenched in sweat
under winter gear to prate my prayer
into the darkness. Because thick night
still sticks in my throat, my voice cracks
on the word accept and slurs serenity.
But then I can talk. I watch silhouettes
of silent deer watch me, and I begin
my speaking, softly, to deer. Early hours
are simple, but after them come hours
of talking until talking becomes noise.
Like the news always muttering
from the top corners of barber shops
and diners. Everybody knows this news
must be bad news to be news—if a deer
bit me and I bit a deer back, everyone
knows everyone would want to hear
about it. But if I keep talking first to God,
I’ll never need to bite a deer
just to get everybody’s attention.
because at 4 a.m. there’s no one
else up. Of course, if should I lose a crown
down the drain brushing my teeth,
I might say the word shit. There’s room
always for an alternate fact. Usually,
though, I speak first to God, as all folks
throughout time beseeched the Ruler of All
enthroned over myriad swirling spooks
in paradise. After marching a mile
in morning dark when only a few trucks
glare on me, I stand drenched in sweat
under winter gear to prate my prayer
into the darkness. Because thick night
still sticks in my throat, my voice cracks
on the word accept and slurs serenity.
But then I can talk. I watch silhouettes
of silent deer watch me, and I begin
my speaking, softly, to deer. Early hours
are simple, but after them come hours
of talking until talking becomes noise.
Like the news always muttering
from the top corners of barber shops
and diners. Everybody knows this news
must be bad news to be news—if a deer
bit me and I bit a deer back, everyone
knows everyone would want to hear
about it. But if I keep talking first to God,
I’ll never need to bite a deer
just to get everybody’s attention.
