From Shadows & Leaps

 

Somewhere above sea and gate quick steps make noise.

* * *
He claps across the room in his slippers.

* * *
His hands are cooped inside a gown.

* * *
His feet chatter to the Sound.

* * *
His head opens. The jar of his head.

* * *
I’m telling you the story of Gull & Starfish.

* * *
Gull has on his lip a handlebar mustache.

* * *
Starfish can’t see rocks, but knows Gull can.

* * *
Gull springs upward with Starfish between his teeth.

* * *
Its shadow turns itself on the wall–the image of a spoked wheel.

* * *
Starfish falls against rain.

* * *
Against the shade of a man passing down the corridor.

* * *
I can hear him say, Bring me my coat my shoes my money

***
Michelle Kern was born and raised in New York, where she completed her BA at Sarah Lawrence College. She is currently pursuing an MFA at NYU’s Creative Writing Program where she also serves as the managing editor of Washington Square.