In the House of the Rising Sun

You worry about the light, she said
the darkness can take care of itself

This is the difference between a reflection
& a shadow

but the Huichol
they wear mirrors around their necks
& talk about the bird that
came from the underworld
to place a cross on the ocean

Look, these are the steps…

I kept her picture in a package of cigarettes
& there were days when I just couldn’t smoke enough