Velocity

Out of the darkness
a depthless calm delight
toes to the floor
eyes open but half dreaming
in the cool room
unhurried
you draw on the waiting garments

the familiar gate open
your place among the porches is clear
the signs patient at the corners

first steps bright and windless
the earths spins invisibly
the merest tug
the slightest whisper
of air across your cheek
the infant sun aslant
leafy, empty paths

and now you see
others taking the same way
or returning, but still
far off, indistinct
approaching at an unknown pace
there and not there

and now trees stand like bars
against the whitening sky
like masts, their green sails spread
and swelling as they rush
behind them shadowy towers
sharpen toward noon
the shadows gather speed

you cannot say
what suddenly seems urgent
on this familiar path
or who it is coming toward you
the gait is familiar
your eyes turn inward
fists clench like hearts
you think, I should speak
soon you will feel the warmth
and if you look up, drink
the brilliant liquid of a living glance

shadows blur and push
you stumble in mid-stride
slow thought summoning nerve
to raise your freighted hand
in time, in time

as the one you meant to greet
with smile or word
whirls on
now close, now strange, now gone