To write one
at least each time
I play in public
in whatever way
or however, that’s
the ticket, to keep
a professional beat
or diligence at
least, each step
taken after the last
in howsoever broken
a rhythm, no faster
than breath or gasping
can carry one comfortably
onward or at least
on up the mountain
or down the stream
that springs from wherever
the deeps reside, surfaces
from predictable fissures,
brief rents opened
by sudden shiftings
of your substrate, crystal
dislocations forced by pressures
persistent, unnoticed in grim
clench till electric slippage
jerks you to attention.
4 June 03
>