Silent Napkin

Silent Napkin

Paul J. Willis

The silent napkin of your eye
folds itself across the sky;
knife and fork and silver spoon
set the table, night and noon.

If a piece of golden sun
grace your plate where there was none,
polish it until it burns
in our solitary urns.

If a crumb of darkened moon
spill across your lap, then soon
sweep it to the farthest star;
whoever we may be, we are.

---

Paul J. Willis
Poet & Professor

Paul J. Willis is an emeritus professor of English at Westmont College, and the author of eight poetry collections, including Losing Streak (2024, Kelsay Books).

Photography by Ardalan Hamedani