Knowing the Endings

you need days like this,
a day when nothing intrudes
upon your stack of books-
you move between a circus
love story, biblical midrash,
and a blood and mayhem mystery
while the rain continues
giving an excuse

you know the tragic ending for
the two circus performers
who tease fate
who test the limits of risk

you think of those spaces
in the story of Lot's wife-
why does she need to turn
who is there left behind

who did the deed
will he release the hostage
before it's too late

tomorrow when the sun returns
the high flyers will wait on the ropes
Lot's wife will be a pillar of salt
and I may rewrite the mystery