hold the photograph in my mind
gauzy severity
muted harshness to lost effect
offered as proof of life
apart
If I
turn myself to details
utility pole
fencing
curve of spoked water wheel
posted sign
angled landscape
snow
from lower left a pipe juts
indicating right-hand sky
and the loose-winged heft
of heavy flight
three more birds stand along the pipe
indeterminate in owned darkness
text illegible
If I
reduce to wanting
tent poles await
colorful draped canvas
ferris wheel assembled
partially
grandstand
the main attraction
chickens … no, vultures …
no …
chickens, trained amusement
stand atop cannon’s length
judging practice fire
as awkward airborne brethren
flaps for purchase
in velocity
I squint to read the sign
details of circus come to town
come away with the jolting truth
of no trespass
too late