An old man’s pet dove
 
perches on his left shoulder,
 
cooing morning songs.

 
 
 

Eve of my birthday—
 
I look over my shoulder
 
to see what I’ve missed.

Pallbearer

 
 
 

Yellow butterfly,
 
the pallbearer’s left shoulder
 
is your resting place.

Calling

 
 
 

Over my shoulder
 
I hear a blackbird calling
 
someone else’s name.

Shoulder

 
 
 

her husband’s shoulder—
 
something in the way it tilts
 
kindling her desire

Scar

 
 
 

her husband’s shoulder—
 
tracing the white scar’s outline
 
with her brown finger