3 Poems Jane Adam


CRIME & PUNISHMENT

even a little is enough
vicious chestnut-colored hair
indecent
dressing gown worn completely open
end of guttering tallow candle
not high-spirited, just bloated
carriage driver gave him a solid blow
englishly, or europeanly


WILLIAM—REMEMBER HIM

old-world, gentlemanly—cirrhosis?
no—it was his head, heart—his core
down like water
empty it
remember when it was fun


I DID IT

it’s a woodgleam evening. nostalgia shines it.

driving spikes tired of purposes, of
intent that leads itself back to its own belief.
death, legs, i know, sweet hero,

i keep combing my hair.
the song of such energy invites me.