He has visible nerve endings

He has visible

nerve endings,

the skin tissue-paper

for the ancient

burns endured.

If you watch him, he

feels like you touch him,

it’s a whisper

it’s a screamed sentence,

a shout a blow.

But he also feels

the hidden shudders

of the people he loves.

He perceives ultrasounds,

by instinct he deciphers

subliminal encrypted signals

clear to the conscience.

He’s a wild animal

anticipating a love

or the thunderstorm

just by getting a whiff of the air

April 29, 2004