"School Landscape With Driver" begins with a metaphor.
I got my tubes tied on the coast road to Astoria today.
It was chilling driving, the weather windy
and the sea bright gray.
I was alone in the car, I was thinking once again, I say yes
believing you will not harm me having no cause to believe
such things.
I thought I was being brave.
The sea hissed openly the road threw curves.
You were back with your father extending the hearth palm
sized pebbles in your hand, the blunt like your language
weapon.
I drove toward the center for battered women
to read my work believing you will not harm me.
Having no cause, no part of that work.
I had no bruises.
I kept on driving.
Hugging myself around the wheel and driving faster, forcing
my attention to the road.
You were the only man I made exceptions for believing.
Wanting to believe we still could
cleave to each other, married, soul and soul
sloughing our politic bodies.