i saw a possum on my way to work

by Arlo Arctia

the sun meets heaven 

in a momentary dance –

blending breath and air,

for the bassoons chant. 

a D-minor blues,

lacrimosa in its tune,

catches the light,

now dimly lit,

of a foxtrotting man. 

his arms like bows, 

lifted as though, 

tilt him back, then sideways,

releasing an arrow. 

he’s a soloist in flight,

emotive and visceral – 

striking, like the swiftness 

of a ribbon dance. 

he stretches outwards,

rolls his shoulders again,

above the sky, to the trumpet’s 

metallic blare. 

and like a cupid 

shaded obsidian black,

his arrow comes back. 

erupts roses from his chest – 

and with a final gaze towards the light –

the showman calls forward the curtains,

and his staccato breath,

comes to a rest, 

to the sound, of running footsteps –

the sun meets heaven 

in a momentary dance –

under yellow headlights 

in a desolate dance.

Arlo Arctia (they/them) is a 22-year-old poet living in Washington DC. Through their Instagram poetry account and Substack, @arloarctia, you can find their personal works and conversations.