tiny trebled tribulations of bush
by bush along the warm path
fingers tips high-hat brush hair
in preparation for percussive kisses
along the back of the neck

the long delicate apocalypse
the soprano of heat from the road
the jazz notes of every star tromboning
in as the day slides out

embers snap along to the glow
of the journey’s convection
a dedication of whisper and breath
before these memories become ash