FIRST NIGHT

Someone cuddles close
with blond mane
and wide eyed stare,
upon my skin
her body floats
and holds on
lest we both drift.
Which one plays,
which one thinks,
both engaged
yet entangled
with questions.



BEST FRIEND

He wouldn’t get far
by himself, he knew,
it’s too dark out there
and there’s such
a long way to travel.
The dog knows too
and it loves him the most,
especially through bouts,
rationalizing life,
when he holds his pet tightly
and the dog is steadfast,
nose up sniffing,
as if to say
it’s okay, we’re not lost.


MICHAEL KESHIGIAN is the author of five poetry chapbooks. His sixth collection Jazz Face , was recently released by Big Table Publishing Co. His poetry has appeared in numerous national and international journals as well as many online publications, including California Quarterly, Barbaric Yawp, Tipton Poetry Journal, Jerry Jazz Musician, Sierra Nevada College Review, and Ibbetson Street Press. He has been a feature writer for The Aurorean, Poetree Magazine, Chantarelle’s Notebook, Bellowing Ark, Pegasus Review, The Illogical Muse, interviewed by Boston Literary Magazine (bostonliterarymagazine.com/Fall2007 Spotlight)) and Reader’s Choice in the Fairfield Review. He is a multiple Pushcart Prize and Best Of The Net nominee. (www.michaelkeshigian.com)