READ / BURN

you realise this message is for you
now – entering this bright blue now
for the first time – the thirst for
word from an emergency (not a word†

you wanted to hear – it strikes you
now as surreal – this imperfect now
for everything’s summer – it’s for
word & a page ignited by some word

you heard – down phonelines as you
now recall – another breath & now
for the burning – an allowance for
word momentarily become not a word

you understand – rather a bird you
now see flying overhead – gone now
for the great birdcage – hungry for
word or letter – read & burn (word