
Frictional
So smooth when forward moving,
but bristled backtracking –
fish scales
or roof thatching – anything
bothersome if too catching
smiles by cruelty inflected,
as if surprise were premeditated,
elected,
a laugh track over
pains of slaughter patched.
If gone against, the grain
bites back – the horse’s mane
hackles.
A shoreward wave rides the back
of one retreating – a game
only won by repeating. Thus, the expected,
rubbed the wrong way, right:
that resistance
is productive, even destruction –
heat from the flame, and light.
Featured image: Petrichoria by Allison Kay.
18″x12″, Acrylic and high-gloss resin on wood panel.
Image used with permission from the artist.