From the book, FROM A CALL BOX
by BOB STALLWORTHY
published by Frontenac House


all the words that I know

are stored in a box
on my desk

it is an ammunition box
filled with ideas
lying side by side
their soft-polished brass casings
reflecting light reflecting each other
and their hard copper coloured points
sharpened to perfection
waiting to hit home
waiting to sink deep into yielding
flesh of another's argument

it is a cardboard box
packed with black and white words
sketches of places
I once was might have been
now stored on a shelf
waiting for me to rediscover
them from memory
pick through each one
decide whether to discard it
or put it back and fold
the top of the box in on itself

it is a heart-shaped box
lacy white ribbon on it
containing all the sticky-centered words
whiffs of warm secrets
wishes for touch taste smell
promises kissed
into the receiver

all the words that I am
are stored in my telephone
waiting
for the ring
when they will tumble end
over end
spill out splash
onto the desk shelf floor
spill out me



From a Call Box
ISBN: 0-9684903-1-X
Price: $13.95
http://frontenachouse.com