The Intimacy of Falling Asleep in an Airport
Such decadent trust
eyes closed
body limp
a foot wrapped in a purse strap
then tucked under a seat
suitcase rolled under knees
Silence glides into ears
rests in exhaustion’s bed
But the world concerts life in the round
a child cries for an ipad
teens giggle at images on instagram
the tired attendant calls for a missing
passenger as your dreams take the white
runway lines and turn them into wings
Others stare at you –
passing thoughts criminal or envious
but you are left alone
When your body trembles open
a fast sweat
a tumbling heart beat
helps panic urge you to remember
Where you’re at
What you’re doing
Who you are
Purse strap still wrapped around foot
suitcase still a table for your knees
money in wallet
ticket in pocket
destination possible
These trusts we agree to –
extraordinary
Love Lorna? Lorna Crozier, that is!
Lorna & Margaret & David will be in town!
This is the Pelee Island Bird Observatory annual gala fundraiser. Each year, Margaret Atwood invites a Canadian writer to be the feature reader at the event, and this year it is poet Lorna Crozier. Also in attendance is a birder – and this year’s guest is David Lindo. There’s also a live auction, I believe, hosted by Windsor’s own Peter Hrastovec! It’s a fine meal! A fine reading! A fine event!
To order a ticket(s): CLICK HERE
Mariette and I will be there!
VANESSA SHIELDS, writer 
Love the subject of this poem — having slept in many airports intimate is an interesting way to describe the situation. Great page!
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Superb. I love “exhaustion’s bed.” When will you hear about the, you-know-what? Hugs Mark
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