Whisper with me, deflate joy, let its steam exhale.
Take cover with me from babbling, tumbling
squall. Escape now with me to a solitary

inch of grassy earth. Lay here with me,
our breath smooth, civil, disobedient.
Ponder with me leaf shadow

pressing on black wall, swaying
in street light, silence
holding. Tame with me

whirlwind; slow it down
to a plod; shun, savor
in our time, if ever.