Jeffery Beam

Self-Portrait

I drew it
coarse
I drew it with a lean
toward something
cross

I struck it with an antler
and a tail

I brushed it fine
then began
the spell

This image wiry
faintly huge
emblematic
strange

evokes the falling timber
round the house

In the fireplace
on the panel
two bonfires roar

I give them
each
a portion
of my heart

2

I think it odd
almond eyes
gleaming

Turn to take the kettle from the fire
A tea-cup full

A yellow-flash
The lamp and my throat
shudder

3

By morning
it has spoken
black and whistling

A strange hand
takes pen

I name you friend