... (xiii)

all your dreams, all your desires

your hopes and what you want the most

the sharp silent thrust of your needs

don't set them marching in the street

the world won't bleed--hold your fire

the world don't catch--

you had better burn your ghost.

to you

to you--all of my life,
I have been coming home to you
you were never there
all my life, I have walked
in the shadow of history

who can
outpace
the world
hunting
under the swinging veins

might duck
between your ribs
might slide
between your bones

when the shadow
is moving
swift and empty

no wonder
I,
stumble in the silence
eyes white
gasping

at bay
in the chambered darkness

--I shake