I start my day
in the quiet gray
of morning

Wan light,
autumn light
scant, aslant

My admonitions
to holy ghosts
resemble prayer

Leftover incantations
from kneeling
bedside

Astride
atop
gentle rocking

Incredulous,
disbelief finally
settled

This is
the only
moment

I walk time
like a ladder
up and down

Consider this
the thought
that got away

Pert,
piquant,
elusive

Chagall 2019