Inspiration in the spit
laden air, in the sequence 

of events from lake to balcony
to converted house to nailing down 

these recalcitrant emotions
with a red hammer 

(yes, it must be red).
I’m no butterfly 

catcher, am afraid
to pin down wings 

gently with my thumb.
I still need to let them fly 

off to endanger you
to my vulnerable side.