Shelley has practical hands

Shelley has practical hands
made strong in the milking-shed
and they find out tension
then make it utter

its own tones of release
So touching
she doesn’t like to be touched
and needs to stay in charge

The others’ names are gone now
and she with her navel pierced
remains gently to remind
about the quietly raging storm-waters

Dusk has arrived on Main Street
but with it comes the light
that what I felt was false
and buildings need repair

Grant Duncan 9/10/04