(C) jcs 2006

Breaking down the ash and rock

existing now just to hinder and trip.

With a pick, with an axe, with a torch —

Laying at the table the practical,

pulling from grey matter fantastical;

switching the spoils from hand to hand,

weighing, comparing, flinging over the fence

little flecks, little specks, the occasional bright bauble

in an effort to winnow, to burrow, and strike.

 

~ j. stevenson 12.30.15