"One Becomes," "Ascent," and "The Distance"
One Becomes
one becomes only
what is necessary
the ocean sometimes
or a frog
or door
the man painted
so that he resembles
the woman a shadow
if she is even seen
the machine
never turned on
Ascent
one can climb
to dispel the laughter
to add the ocean
to the ceiling
and the birds
to the trembling gown
she slides into
inside her dreams
The Distance
the distance between
or the man running
his own voice chasing him
until he is able
the surface of
only where the sea
seems to begin or end
his name given to him then

Bob Heman spent most of his adult life working in libraries and archives. His poetry and collages have been widely published. Bob recommends the National Coalition Against Censorship.