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A PERMANENT BUT SHIFTING VALLEY

// sam ross

Bruises appear

In the morning, flattened plums
Under the skin.

He holds the bottle to his lips
Before drinking

And drinking, walks

To watch the bullfighters
Circle each other, practicing.

One flourishes a flag

Hibiscus red, one wields
The jet-black horns. One moves

To mimic an animal in fury,

And the other doesn't flinch.
If you can't see

The mountains from here, I hear
It will surely rain.

If you can, you can.

It rains regardless, like a friend.