To Run or Sit

Today, he said, the sky bends down
where I look out and grips the ground,
it’s welded to the horizon’s lip
so tight I can’t escape through it.

I’ve tried with cars alive with power,
or airplanes that outfly the hour,
I’ve walked the compass day and night
but sky to earth is fastened tight.

I’ve tried to sneak up from behind
but back becomes the front, my mind
labors to break the horizon’s trap
but each new plan but turns me back.

If action will not set me free
I’ll sit and meditate, said he.
He placed a board across two stones
and on his butt as one who owns
the right to wait he sat his bones.

    Original Citation
    The Back Door 1 (1970) 40.
    Word Count
    119
    Original Publication
    Date Published
    1970
    Complete Poems
    234
    Theme(s)
    First Line
    Today, he said, the sky bends down
    Poetic Form
    closed
    Twitter Quote
    If action will not set me free / I’ll sit and meditate, said he.