The New Weird, a poem by Michael Channing

The New Weird
Trilogy of Petals part two

by Michael Channing

the rain held long enough to walk
my usual path between the buildings across the quad into the ditch along the road
i stood with you as you dipped your rain-heavy branches
and we spoke
i voiced my fears and you yours neither understanding
the other
on other days i would fear looking foolish to all the others
who never stray from sidewalks and benches
but rules have changed and nearness is the new weird
and i don’t worry much about the things that used to worry me
besides by the time i reach home the petals
will have shaken from my shoulders and shoes
and you won’t remember what i said or that i was there
and it’ll all feel normal again

Holding on to Yesterdays


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Chokes and Warbles
Now Available

Chokes and Warbles, a collection of essays and poems by Michael Channing

April 17, 2020