Empty Hammock

by Michael Dylan Welch and John Thompson

First published in Hammerhorn Lake (Foster City, California: Press Here, 1995) by Garry Gay, John Thompson, and Michael Dylan Welch. Written 3–4 September 1994 on a camping trip at Hammerhorn Lake, California. +

starry night—

the empty hammock

between the pines Michael

the names of lovers

scarred in the tree John

early frost—

the unpainted chair

on the summer-house deck Michael

wisps of fog—

around the lake twice

a whistling of wings John

down the dark road

calling for her dog Michael

in the fire ring

charred photographs—

a blue jay’s screech John