July

I was wondering dollars half-hearted
and beneath a far-back lime tree
wandering horses paused.

There was a lump of hay
in the throat and a month
of wild parties. I had twice what I need

in truth and plenty of see.
The horses single-hoofed their hill
then back to wandering,

so I took two jobs and broke
my doubting spirit.
How am I doing, you ask?

Highly technical and coasting.
Riding the mountains downhill
toward the ultimate saddle.

Radio interference has a soul
deserving of idolatry; it drove me
to the sea. I am breaking

stride and making change;
I am signing page thirty-blur of the contract—
it is noon forty-five and time, for goodness’ sake.

Copyright © 2008 C.J. Sage All rights reserved
from The American Poetry Journal
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission