"My Laughing Seagull" (Julia)

I know
and You know
you're my laughing seagull—
how you make that sound ring, drip-clink-chime!
right into my heart you wring rapture's ache

Well?
Yes.
Exactly!
Like a hungry kitten lapping
after
I've drunk my fill

For I am both your torment and milk
at once—
this noose-tangle in our bowl of an apartment

Yet sometimes
when between us
voluntary bed-captivity and chains remain

I tickle you just so

Reading in darkness
owl-spectacles on my nose
to You
in a clanking ghost-voice
I recite this Jack-approved seagull soup recipe:

Take one seagull
Remove innards and feathers
boil two hours
Don't discard the broth
Add fresh water
Boil again
Then—
peaceably—
you may discard
both bird
and pot entire
every bone infected with rancid blubber-stink!

You've always kept watch
I've always repented
Sworn:
"Never again!"

Only at dawn do you smile forgiveness

My laughing seagull

My winged beacon...

*Jack London

2011/2013