THE MISSOURI SPEAKS

for Jonathan Dunn, 1954—1988
Wolf Creek, Montana

Jonathan,

I am the pearl

The pearl at the node of the net of all the worlds

The jewel at the crown of your head

Turquoise

Ivory embryo

Spiral I bide

Sow and reap

Bale and step

Sow bread

Reap bread

Powerless I promise

Fire and bones and flesh

All I give I will sheave.