Heroes and Villains: Day 15

Doreen & Kurt

She wants to help. He kindles
an ancient distrust of women
near trees. She wants
to carry a hero’s burden
stuffed in her pouches
to retrieve when the world
is starving. He hides
until like God hiding
becomes his signature
trick. She want credit,
a name for fawn-tailed
triumph, one per issue,
no allowances spent on
origin and exposition.
He is trying to charm
his way in or out
of everywhere. She
wants a team. She wants
a boyfriend. He’s mastered
the impossible art
of retreat. They are both
thinking: If God doesn’t make
mistakes, what one-liner
could he end on to button
this story. Our story.
There’s this one, loud sound
when the world fills a place
that was empty.