Clam by Mary Oliver
"Each one is a small life, but sometimes long, if its / place in the universe is not found out."
The Cats Will Know by Cesare Pavese
"You too will make gestures. / You’ll answer with words— / face of springtime, / you too will make gestures."
Loyalties by Roo Borson
"Remember the long / mouthwatering days, each place / we rested, just taking it in."
You with the Crack Running Through You by Kim Addonizio
"But isn’t it drafty at night, / alone in that canyon / with the wind of the mind / dragging its debris—"
Heavy by Mary Oliver
"Have you heard / the laughter / that comes, now and again, / out of my startled mouth?"
What it costs by Marge Piercy
"While / the heart kicks / like a strangled rabbit / and the lungs buckle / like poor balloons: / I will survive."