Trying to quiet my mind,
but onions are frying in the kitchen
and he’s playing Ravel on the piano.
It sounds like water flowing—
I wish my thoughts
can sometimes float on the water,
but they stomp around,
trying to dance like lilac elephants
in the jungle; Disney music scores
and well-wishes can’t quiet these
elephants down, they leave
their huge prints behind.
Wherever they go,
I can’t sleep;
others tend to creep
along as if nothing has happened
& the water is in short supply
as the onion smell and piano playing drone on—
Gone are thoughts of forgetfulness,
there’s nothing more, or less.