Meditation on Reading Nin
by Rusty Barnes
When Nin titled her book
a spy in the house of love
I don't think she had in mind
what I'm doing right now
which is watching a rose-breasted
grosbeak alight and flick its wings to
entice its mate but maybe she did.
This chasm between us seems
as insurmountable as Mt. Rainier
until the grosbeak hops forward
and dips her head into pooled
rainwater, drinks while her
long-time monogamous mate
chirps behind her in fervent salute.
a spy in the house of love
I don't think she had in mind
what I'm doing right now
which is watching a rose-breasted
grosbeak alight and flick its wings to
entice its mate but maybe she did.
This chasm between us seems
as insurmountable as Mt. Rainier
until the grosbeak hops forward
and dips her head into pooled
rainwater, drinks while her
long-time monogamous mate
chirps behind her in fervent salute.
Rusty Barnes lives and writes in Revere MA with his family and a veritable horde of cats. You can find out more at www.friedchickenandcoffee.com.