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Syntax Issue 10
Denver Syntax
{more from the imaginary slide rule of my mother's notebook}
  barton d. smock



***
the wolf
***

I was told
differently
more gently
than the others

by a shepherdess
in sheep’s
clothing.

***
church
***

the windows
of my pastor’s
home

I thought them
spotless

his wife brought me lemonade
and washrags

then sat with him
inside

***
fellowship
***

with its call
for nodding and bowing
with its response
of unison

one might think
we agree-

I don’t ask
whose home
has the tornado
taken-

I know.

***
lesson
***

in all things
be them trial
be them tribulation

be your mother-

a shadow
of your current
self.