We’ve waded among sunlight and shadow
of this cypress swamp—green-film slime surface
a pool table’s faded carpet—below
Baseline Road to this true baseline, birthplace
of Louisiana Purchase’s survey.
Our arms enclosing each other like curled
branches, securing our footing, we sway
a bit like some ancient cypress. Squirrels
warn of our invasion. Yet we remain
mute, study this dark granite monument
half-submerged in nature’s essence, its vain
effort to hold us at bay from consent
to history’s record. My hand wreathing
your slight right waist adores your deep breathing.
Roger Armbrust
February 1, 2012
