when it happens
By Peter Out

you try to explain
what makes
you keep at it.
why you work
this much
of yourself into it.
how you can turn it over
and over again
in your head.
how it’s held
together.
how it all moves,
you say, explaining.
the works
of it.
see?
how it’s done better
men than you in.
that it leaves you
awake after
strange hunches
shifting inclinations
subtle ramifications
and
and you notice
your dark hands, reaching
like a tent-revival preacher’s
you look over
sure
she hasn’t heard
a word
of it
and part of you is glad
she can sleep
at a time like this

— Peter Out writes from the darkness west of town. Poet’s Showcase features work by area poets. Submit your poetry via e-mail with a subject line of Poet’s Showcase to mpaget@ljworld.com or send typewritten (not handwritten) submissions to Mindie Paget, 645 N.H., Lawrence 66044, attn: Poet’s Showcase. Teen writers should submit their work to the 18 & Under page at teens@ljworld.com.