
July 18, 2024
Downside Up Moon
-In solidarity with reeling, dizzy & overheated beings
I keep feeling good
at least okay, not-terrible
this I blame on the equanimity of birds
who continue to scrutinize gnarly branches
wiping their orange & black beaks
across lichens’ hoarse surface
& making their dawn-of-creation ecumenical merriment
I tried to lay there
in one soft spot
as the magic carpet sun
pivoted like Rumi on his heel of Turkish stone
my breath again stolen & again returned
as ambulance raced through
dry fragrant hills
crying out
It is high summer
we know it is burning
and still
birds adorn the perforated sky
cloud penumbra murmuration
graceful
as an overturned sequoia
crown of roots
up ended.
POEM BY
Qayyum Johnson

ARTWORK BY SUIKO MCCALL
Correct All Wrongs With One Intention, Lojong series, 2023.
Prints available at suiko.art.