The Imperfectionist

An unruled page turns—alone—
moves—measure without—
watch—compass—or metronome

syllable and dash—alert— incomplete
gathered to resist—the risk
beyond—compare

Last night I set out—early—
this once—but met the current—
deployment—intent—I

could not see—and turning—
home—took back—my company
my friends left—on their own

affixed—a new evening—
followed—verdantly—until
morning—winnowed—

slick—was drowned—by noon—
the sun had turned—to sea
and sea turned back—to sound

Without—regret—I still
don’t—stir—to fill—
my constant—cup

though aimlessly—I’ll put it—
down—forget my hat—
and run—aground