Wander
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I.

Wayne rides his motorbike on lawns
leaving deep furrows
half-pipes for ants and earthworms
an unrecognized hero
parting the seas of green.

Mud speckles Wayne’s letterman jacket
but he’s not concerned.
The rain will wash it clean
soon enough.

II.

As a child, Wayne disliked shoes.
His parents were informed that
all children must wear shoes to school.
They tied his laces every morning
despite his objections.

Wayne ties his own laces now.
He has no choice in the matter
but doesn’t really mind.

III.

Where are you going?
Wayne doesn’t know, shrugs.
Well, this wing is restricted. Did you know that?
Yes. Maybe. Doubtful, actually.
Move along then.
Gladly. I already have what I came for.

Wayne leaves the museum with his ticket stub
and the hint of a smile.

IV.

Working night shifts
Wayne is the only person alive.
His mind drifts south
past the border.

It is summer here. Flowers bloom
people are dancing.
Wayne hates the wind, but
this wind is warm and carries him
into loving arms.

She welcomes him into
her home and her bed
baking him cupcakes
and telling him stories
in language he does not understand.

V.

Sometimes, Wayne swims in the ocean
early in the morning.

He heard once that comfort is
the first sign of hypothermia.
When chill pain becomes numbness
and numbness becomes tranquility
Wayne moves on.

VI.

Wayne is running for the bus
but the driver doesn’t see.
Wayne keeps running
anyway.

He runs through streets and
alleyways and backyards and
swimming pools and forests
and when daylight comes
he can see the wounds.

VII.

The doctor said that maybe
if Wayne tried a little harder
he would stop bleeding.

Wayne doubts this is true
but agrees
he’s not really trying.