Retirement

Palm trees anticipate the arc
of your body, its return to the earth.
Instead of the ocean, the reflection
of pavement, the mirrors in your apartment
that once focused only on your face.
You cannot discard unwanted limbs
on the beach. You are convinced blood
is the solvent of skin, and your heart
is continually forcing high tide.

Copyright © 2006 Jason Fraley All rights reserved
from Pebble Lake Review
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission