Snow In San Diego, And A Message-Bearing Tiger

I dreamt that a tiger came out of the ocean.

I dreamt that a tiger stepped out of the surf--

And the beach welcomed him like a geisha.

The beach said, "Welcome, sir."

I dreamt that I was alone.

So alone.

I dreamt that I was freezing,

And as fragile as a bell.

I rang myself, and it started to snow.

I rang myself, and it snowed like hell.

Tigers are so strong, there is no arguing with them--

On the beach, in the sleet.

His shoulders were massive as he stood before me

Inviting my heart to dance with his teeth.

He told me, "Your love is drowning, out there, with the ships."

I asked,

"Does she drown

With my name

On her lips?"

And then it was silent--

So silent,

And the tiger had nothing further to tell.

I woke up alone.

I woke up and knew--

Her touch was the tongue,

My body the bell.

I woke up alone

On waves of white,

Feeling surf and my heart

Recede with the night.

________