Kerri Shying R # 440 we accompany ourselves by slapping at flesh

I’m pinching broken slates  from  the desecrated roof

of the old place down the road   I know your dog  the neighbour

says  her grand daughter found him   on one of his many

jaunts   visits her Chihuahua   there’s no standing under shade

right now   round here  all talking done in sunlight

we accompany ourselves by slapping at flesh

the clock  is on every conversation   she says

it isn’t theft    she watched them  throwing the

century of labour  off the roof   smashed

like the plates at a Greek wedding   but without

the joy   she helps me load them up she slaps my arm goodbye