The subject of the fan
is a mere suggestion, open
to interpretation.
is a mere suggestion, open
to interpretation.
Painted bat wing,
paper leaf,
it knows its way in the dark.
paper leaf,
it knows its way in the dark.
Both shield against light
and quickener of flame,
the fan’s act
and quickener of flame,
the fan’s act
of concealment perfects
flirtation, graces grief. Folded
in on itself, dipped
flirtation, graces grief. Folded
in on itself, dipped
in clear water, then—flashed
and flaring in air—spread,
it’s a generous offering in heat,
and flaring in air—spread,
it’s a generous offering in heat,
following a stark retreat.
Map, dagger. Target
and arrow. Overlapping edges
Map, dagger. Target
and arrow. Overlapping edges
of weapon and defense.
The subject is full revelation.
The subject is full revelation.
The subject is cool refusal.
