Evensong

...

is it her intent
to demand such attention
with her still, silent beauty?

an easy, empty gaze over the edge
where water meets land meets sky
she pretends to ignore the foriegn voices
while imagining they speak only of her

high black strapped shoe,
heel hangs from rail, posed
crow purple sequins catch sun,
reflecting danger while leaning in,
casual seduction of elbows resting
on smooth metal,
saigon bound

women never wore mens hats
this time, this place
but there she was, in her father's
wide rim and left behind-
slightly lowered over right eye

rope ties slip through metal holes
into water, sinking slow, disappear
and the water bus is freed.

dark plum smoke and
loud low rumble of the motor
rise,
and go

...