Gods demand (O Skin, be strong)

Gods demand we waltz

the teeming hedge

soldiers spread

but can’t quell

what wells

worthwhile’s a made shape

wafting about

in the night so green

all bright ornament

and creamy delay

I take off my hat

I get off and walk

O skin be strong

expand rewardable range

build steady wealth

of shared play

don’t end at lending

nouns to property

consult the ear

consult the air

claim common right

to lick up excess

as a lock’s for frisking

a gale’s gaping gate

they say the submarine

which waves no flag

is a violator vessel

how soft its coax

how smooth its thick white head

adorned and anointed

the bodies of my loves

the fear grins

of great apes

Alli Warren's There's always some bird dog, again, with one minor, significant change.

Source: Poetry (September 2014).