No Proportation In Love

…no justice in it. (Gilead, Marianne Robinson)


Bear stunned:
tranquilizer to hind side.
Agile scientists scurry close;
opportunity to collect data
diminishing.

Before any tagging
or temperature taking
or blood titrating,
an ocular smear.

Narcotic that pacifies
does not shut the eyes.

Just you try
to keep your eyes open,
nineteen seconds,
or a mere twelve.
Evolutionary blink,
mammalian protection,
against corrosion,
burning, damage.

Say a humble hosanna.

Love bursting on the scene,
we said eyes wide open.
On our second date, you declared
not only your smitten state,
but most all of your serious foibles,
including this one, now,
abrasive in our midst.

Where, then, dearheart,
is my smear?

(cc) Karen G. Johnston