The Number Before Infinity: Poems

by Zack Rogow

OPENING

I’m open so wide
so wide
I don’t have any skin.

Words overheard
on the sidewalk
jostle me left and right. Every breeze
becomes a parade,
every scratch
a torrent.

Even a dancer suddenly        lifted
is enough to blank me out.

And just a pebble of a country song
rattles my fault lines:
I’m in so deep
Can’t think of gettin’ out

I’m open so wide
so wide
to take in each of your glances,
all of your long, dark hair.