Eyes in the Heat
Jackson Pollock, 1946
Joseph R. Trombatore

Lions lay in tall grasses
camouflaged
in the light
of their own hunger

Warm winds prevail

The thick smell of blood
travels like smoke
orchids flourish, limbs
like an orchestra

Frame the scene

Our breaths are muffled
by cicadas, dragonfly
the wings of bees
are dazzling

In this white heat

The 2nd movement begins
with a snapped twig
water birds become statues
eyes of crocodiles

Glisten like pearls

Water buffalo gather
at the edge to drink
muscles poised
for a swift retreat

Even the water is dangerous

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