After “To an Old Philosopher in Rome” by Wallace Stevens

Speak to your pillow as if to yourself.

Speak to faces on the shelf.

Climb into attics of never again.

Time your breath from one to ten.

Cradle moonlight, wring the washcloth.

Ladle tears for tomorrow’s broth.

Float through stages with unreal props.

Cookie crumbs on countertops.

Drive to flea markets in abandoned towns.

Arrive bejeweled in broken crowns.

Speak to clouds in forest fire skies.

See the dawn pluck out her eyes.

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Lauren Paré is a poet, non-practising lawyer, and trademark examiner for the Government of Canada. She completed her creative writing certificate at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, specializing in poetry. Her work appears in journals including Pinhole Poetry, flo., and Paddler Press. She lives in Tkaronto (Toronto). Instagram: @lauren.pare