the offing its return between a shape
and shapes an edge so else that earth foot-shod drops paces on our heels
— shuffle loose slight halts faltering
takes itself apart with a twist of the wrist
round widdershins and wards away what remains of fever following
to fold us spent against the westwork granite
etched in the measure of our origins. Sought losses
on tether to shrill
fulfillment and what
stirs
in stone
summons present from the time and there
our vows confound in fumes pale clamor
enchanted-lanterned like nosuchplace
no such when
a nave of haymakers heavy to kneel
deep slouch and crowded rummage
and we call to stars
like living things.