By Carolyn Pinet
I've just realized
that this year
Ash Wednesday and
Valentine's Day,
hanging together in suspense,
are about to collide.
Some of us will wander about
with smoke streaked foreheads,
others, titillated by Eros
and the rash promises of spring,
will fall in love -
or perhaps a few of us
will do both,
confused by the rapidly
changing climate,
the ricocheting seasons.
And I have to ask,
"Could untended hearts
grow ashy and static?"
But no, I'm starting to imagine
an unprecedented volcanic eruption,
an outpouring of Vesuvius
with all the gods in a circle,
while the whole sky lights up
and people everywhere,
held in loving embrace,
dance and dance.