Poem

In my drawing room
I found a little yellow lizard
cocking its head, looking at me,
flicking its tongue like a flame.

I got up quietly from the sofa,
reached at it quickly with a broomstick.

She disappeared
like she never was-
left her tiny tail
tossing and turning-
on the white marble floor.

The Open Window

The Open Window

When I play the piano
my neighbor slams her window.

When she comes out
to water her plants
I let my dog bark to its heart's content.

She stares at my dog
and whispers something that
makes my dog bark even louder.


Last night
I saw an ambulance,
the paramedics taking her from the house.

This morning
I sat by the piano a long time-
looking
at the open window.