pancakes in the pan    
straw on the ground    
wooden handle    
and bowl    
are the auxiliaries of Grandmother.        
 
There's something for all ages    
in progress    
steps too short    
and drafts    
what don't they seem to know.        
 
You have to tell yourself    
let life reign over life    
and that she traces her path    
avoiding being    
this push out of oneself.        
 
Fingers can quiver    
in the throes of winter    
the celebrant's tailcoat    
go up to paradise    
before rolling into the pit.        
 
Hats off    
gentlemen of belief    
in the librarian of the spirit    
dance on one leg     
childhood fireflies.        
 
 photo of Luce Gerard
650