Elana Wolff:

City Rose

It suits me to envision you
a sentinel
across from King

on a hill
that likely
would have been

a watch
before the city rose.
Today it's you the tower

that I see
on coming up observe me
lift

my narrow skirt to step.
I only show
my ankles

and a navy bit
of nyloned
leg

but I can see you fastened
on my foot-
fall

cinching the distance.
Eyes
conscripting

clues you hope will
prep you for
the rest.

copyright Elana Wolff, 2000.