Travis Stephens
unlikely lovers amid the wineries
this night tidy rows of stakes
burdened by clouds vines drop
a scatter of rain supplicants
wind & worry leaves open & shut
plus any restless roots, stars, rabbit
feet gradually dance, shriek
getting wet then hide
but I am warmed blood, panting
by the effort eyes flash
& the fury of owls
lost chance to coyote
save this moon hidden
marriage darkened
a chance shrugged
another night who
lost to who
regret &
worse.
***
Travis Stephens is a tugboat captain who resides with his family in California. An alumni of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, recent credits include: 2River, Sheila-Na-Gig, Hole in the Head Review, GRIFFEL, and The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature.