zumpoems

she started to stop ironing

creases and wrinkles
pouts and interpretations
a phone number from Port Said
left in a pocket

Oh, how the gin fizzingly stirs
swirls of melodies unfurl
as veils drip
like honeyed
falling stars

Ah,
how the cover
stays low
so the currency flows
like foot traffic at
the dusty bazaar

“I’ll show you Egypt”
has been her most memorable reply
but I doubt her intentions
and so plan another solo excursion
hoping that
once I return
that crumpled, rumpled look
will be comfortably cool at work

— zumwalt (1998 with minor revision in 2025)