-resumé-

1.

only the strongest

will can challenge this atmosphere—

that substance-filled night of terrible              

blades

who cut the moon to half its

shape—   

shape of the heart who beat upon 

that bed whose base was demon-

filled.

now i choose those roots,

seedlings of the sum-

total of myself.

to weave a quiet water

the substance is recurring.

2.

stars of the dipper 

bend its shape.

stones as old as pharaoh roll

beneath our feet.