Shoe Laces and Dragon Flies by James Walton

a bad eye bleeds
iron filing stagnant

from when the bail head burst forward

the cow standing over me, muzzling, repentant

I’m being shown the correct way

double loop knot, twist and over

rust is in my mouth that zingy flavour

stale Twisties too much salt

No.5 Charolais Friesian cross 

her breath sweet grass my favourite

pushes me cleans the cut above sinuses

Father Cleary stands waiting

I forget to open the door, dreaming, 

three straps for each hand

my shoelaces are wet with dragonflies

the doctor stitches a tidy summation

wings whir flutter drop circle float

a taste of yarrow tea

when I wake from sleep on her warm belly

she’s too sound of fresh hay to rise 

the orchard has flicked like new Velcro

each sound of my stepping a lace’s memory

drag and pull a quiet lapping 

slipping socks in boots too large

I stall in the sun’s marinade

a hover of rainbows

James Walton is the author of four collections of poetry. He is published in many newspapers, anthologies, and journals.