for a man

 For a Man

You light a fire in an ash can           
under the willow and sliver moon
setting with Venus 
over the open sea. 

We talk of shifting continents,
how this wind may breathe over us
the mingled dust  of our ancestors' bones. 
Mars rises behind the moon.

The fire casts violent shadows 
over your face.    I am  a continent
of women to you---but to me . . .

you are one man . . .
who fires a thousand years
of rage into me-- 
enough rage to burn the sky--

I am no continent--but an ocean 
swallowing fire whole. 
Watch now how Mars trails the moon...

and the moon is falling into the sea

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