Michael McClintock
 
                                                    
                                                

                                                  the peaks
                                                  release their clouds
                                                  at sunset
                                                  the valley opening
                                                  to whatever comes
                    


                                                  the old ways
                                                  back to the fields
                                                  reliably
                                                  when winter ends
                                                  the water remembers
                                                 


                                                  wanting to go
                                                  into my room
                                                  and be alone, yet
                                                  leaving the door
                                                  open a crack
                                                 
                                         

                                                  the perfect hour
                                                  of an afternoon
                                                  when the meadowlark rests
                                                  and the late train from L.A.
                                                  goes by without stopping



                                                  right there
                                                  in the wide blue sky
                                                  above me:
                                                  that is where I find
                                                  the origin of loneliness



                                                  when alone
                                                  on a barge in the harbor
                                                  at midnight
                                                  I feel like the only
                                                  fool on earth
                                                 

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