May 9, 2009

I almost ground to a stiff and aging halt for you.

I had come to my knees and then collapsed further.

Face down, locking arthritically to the ground,

My remaining movement was of one eye,

Regarding my heart.

And there I saw the remaining ember

Of the old heat.

So on that I breathed

(While you were temporarily away)

And founded a young flame in my legs

Which has now begun to fan

My locked-up shoulders

So that my head can shake free.