The Path of Least Resistance

Freedom fighter

against satisfaction.

Suddenly in negotiations.

*

Thumbing through

the market peaches at noon.

Gathering pork chops and flowers,

red chili paste.

Wearing a hat like a white flag.

*

Divebombed again

by the garden’s piggish, guzzling bees.

*

I awoke in strong arms.

Assaulted by pleasure.

*

The “awesome” in this is silent.

*

I surrender.

Sleepwalker

Planting you

squirrel-like,

behind my breastbone,

walking out at 8 am

when the world smells

like maple syrup

and

dry cleaning.

*

Catalpas drop

their orchidy lips

all over

the walk

*

I'm just another zombie of love.

*

"We have pork chops

and each other."

*

What are all

these trees

doing?

*

A little confused, is all.

Can't keep my mind on

anything but you.

Still dreaming a half-mile after I step on the train.

*

"I thought you said brains."

Them too.

I'm tuckered. Whew.

Maureen Thorson is the author of three chapbooks: "Twenty Questions for the Drunken Sailor," (flynpyntar/dusie press 2009), "Mayport" (Poetry Society of America 2006) and "Novelty Act" (Ugly Duckling Presse 2004). She lives in Washington, D.C., where she co-curates the In Your Ear reading series at the DC Arts Center and runs Big Game Books, the tiniest press in the world.