Public Republic

Simon Perchik

Photo: svintus2010

When this clock holds back
its scent has meaning
–even dogs are trained

for lies or no lies –truth
has a calm to it, by instinct
soothes this kitchen wall

flows underneath as bone
and sleeplessness –you wait
for night to reset the hands

teach them honesty
practice till the weak one
hardens solid, smells

the way an invisible stone
can be trusted
lets you lower your head

against this darkness
falling out your skin
as silence and the nights to come.