Reflexive
       

Consider whether you can be solitary and alone

whether you can sit alone like a sparrow

like a sparrow in an indentation in the ground

an indentation in the deep red ground

consider whether you can be like this in a valley

valley of vision where the ground is deep red

valley of vision where there are no roses

where there is not even a secret rose

consider whether you can remain in such a valley

in a valley of vision which is always the same

where the ground is always deep red ground

where there is not even a secret rose

consider whether you can remain like a sparrow

whether you can sit alone like a sparrow

like a sparrow in an indentation in the ground

in a valley of vision which is always the same.

Copyright © 2009 John Taggart All rights reserved
from Is Music
Copper Canyon Press
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission