Alexandra’s Back


i was halfway between grounded and lightning

between staying and riding the first wave that came over me

in the halflight of a blue-grey unwinding

serpentlike stairwell of sky... i could suddenly see

that time isn’t something we have... it isn’t partitioned

cut up and placed where we want it to be

and nothing that’s planned for compares

with what we are handed the moment we learn to release


the road stretched out like skin on alexandra’s back

knowing where i’d been

the borders of her shoulders... exodus unto her waters

the shoreline reunited with the sea which could not help but swim


some people keep letters, photos, mementos

reminders of all their lives’ lovers and friends

time made a record of life on my face

i made a record of time on magnetic tape

i think of her when the story ends

my mind’s still turning pages... characters, words, and events

or when a candle’s done dripping but there’s still a flame

that keeps watch and waits for the sun to begin


the road stretched out like skin on alexandra’s back

knowing where i’d been

the borders of her shoulders... exodus unto her waters

the shoreline reunited with the sea which could not help but swim


like starlight i hanglided over groves we grew our memories in

her heart was undivided... every one she loved fully with it



Words by David Delmar. ©2001 Seahorse Sounds.



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