margin of error

i know enough to say
hey that's probably not
such a great thing to do
euphimistically for

you'll probably die if you try
those things we know well enough

so many things that we know
and names of things
even how we error in our thinking

the calculation of the possibility
of a wrong because
and hence
you'll probably die if you try
and also point zero one you won't

if that's good enough for you

thursday night

i imagine you
saying it could be different
yes
something else could come of it
and this time tomorrow
we'll be sitting at table
having a wonderful time
yes
it is possible
i imagine you
hugging me in relief
yes
it could

passion

the candlesmoke singsong
sour salty smell
people on plastic chairs green
to match the dimming walls

myself pitched into resonance
with this ululating
relentless march into sorrow

oh for that misstep

instead of this destiny
of someone too beautiful to be
alive in this place

perhaps we were asking you
to fail just a little

because who would dare
have compassion for god?

we are not notorious for it
content to prophesy unsurprised

after all we know how to weep
and harvest regret

my god

goodbye

the sun should dance just a little
and the seas part as we put this place behind us
i want to ask you
i am on a precipice
where will my foot fall
when i take that step having turned around?

from you

i know now how this world will fail
how the moments are broken
without you

my heart cleaves to the promise of resurrections
or how can this be beautiful?

may the road rise to meet you
may the wind be always at your back

i can bless you yet
and may God hold you in the palm of his hand