It is at that moment
the exact time
when wobble from equilibrium
resynchronizes
when mind relatches
onto certainty
stability regained
it is at that moment
a bifurcation in time
opens
alternative trajectories diverge
one in which
there is control
and another
lurking
waiting to propel
one’s soul
along an inconceivable path.
It is at that moment
I do not care
for language that leaps
then stumbles
I prefer to slide
sometimes
even drift
rapids are fun
even whirlpools
but I do not like
sand bars
or hidden snags
from the shore
waterfalls
are best of all
but not from above
in a boat
surprise endings
are not to my liking
I want the heroine
to survive
unbroken
most of all
unbroken
language enables that
A Gift of Soap
From the earth
a simple gift
wrapped in paper
made by hand
no bow
just a feather
in remembrance
soap from laurel
from Aleppo
to wash away tears
shower drops
cascade onto tile
carrying fragments
of us
to the sea
an ocean beach
a small boy
face in the sand
returned to earth
Wanting to climb higher,
her reach insufficient
to be gathered
by higher branches,
Evelyn wonders
if a girl who is taller,
limbs more agile
will come next year.
Perhaps the tree will embrace her.
Evelyn asks whether the tree will still be there.
Yes, I reply.
She climbs down.
AgainstEdges 