--- C R A L A N   D E U T S C H

where my father is retiring
in situ
in view of the ocean

the most prominent feature
occupying his desk
is a back scratcher

in the empty fridge nothing
the freezer only
holds three frozen meals
and a carton
of ice cream

a circle on the wall
expecting to be a clock
is a frisbee

on the porch
i look for firewood
and finding no kindling
am momentarily possessed
to burn a croquet
mallet instead