Lower
to let us rest
I am waking
seated arched
mind beautiful
shimmering mud
meticulous clipping
for freedom
freedom
rings in feelings
in thoughts
poem and song the setting
prayer turned American verse
psalm for stars
stripes for prisoners
freedom ringing ears
loving beats
beams setting long
reach smoking leaves
fifty and fire
lower
to let us rest.

Kempton B. Van Hoff teaches Analysis and Argumentation, and studies human behavior at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. Kempton plays with boats near the barn where he dwells, which is in Amityville LI. He also makes poetry and art and fire and food, with Love, in any location.