the daily semblance of calm
(a mask whereupon he rides
the volatile rage twisting
like magma beneath rock
until he’s able to dismount
with the casual elan of a cat
who has fallen awkwardly
but still haughtily walks away
with a final slash and twitch
of his tail as if to say who cares)
allows him to breathe within the deep
panic rising over him like water.
(July 11, 2013)
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