Alexandra's Back

I was halfway between grounded and lightning
between staying and riding the first wave that came over me
in the halflight of a blue-grey unwinding
serpentlike stairwell of sky... I could suddenly see
that time isn't something we have... it isn't partitioned
cut up and placed where we want it to be
and nothing that's planned for compares
with what we are handed the moment we learn to release<

the road stretched out like skin on alexandra's back
knowing where I'd been
the borders of her shoulders... exodus unto her waters
the shoreline reunited with the sea which could not help but swim

some people keep letters, photos, mementos
reminders of all their lives' lovers and friends
time made a record of life on my face
I made a record of time on magnetic tape
I think of her when the story ends
my mind's still turning pages... characters, words, and events
or when a candle's done dripping but there's still a flame
that keeps watch and waits for the sun to begin

the road stretched out like skin on alexandra's back
knowing where I'd been
the borders of her shoulders... exodus unto her waters
the shoreline reunited with the sea which could not help but swim

like starlight, I hanglided over groves we grew our memories in
her heart was undivided... every one she loved fully with it