to be is the finale of seem

exposure
hymns
the name tags

at the healthcare workers strike

tens or hundreds 

stare into the sun

shaded by purple signs

blown-up barf emojis

whatever's available 

does it move you?

crying isn't the only response
or it's meanings are multiple
and so are the meanings
of not crying

how far on the walk to lunch
can you still be considered
at the protest

I caught the bouquet last night
and this morning it's
flakes of the popcorn ceiling
on my black shirt

as the corner of the living room
cracks apart

the house won't stay Pangea
just for us

the passionfruit

the other angels

the poetry that’s sunk in

the wrapping paper 

the trees

the mask 

everything that’s already been mentioned 

less and less
each visit

I hoped
we were

the last inheritors

of a rat trap
but no one is ever the finale