That State of Grace

Wonder does not expect,
demand, or take control.

It witnesses.

And innocence records
what's been seen.


Philosophical Shortening

The dough swells on the sideboard.
It takes time to let this feeling rise,
to fold the mix before it forms a crust.
To place this loaf in the high heat of haste
would scorch the moist sheen,
and leave the inside clammy as a wet glove.

The temperature is set,
and patience, a prerequisite.


Old Friend

We wash
in the basin
we'll always hold
in yesterday me.

Though this cup
changed hands
one hundred times,
your fingerprints
still surface
like a sailor
gasping for air.