Birthmarks

This mortal assignment
drawn from images entrapped with time
lapses, like tin pan layers 
snapping back in blinding retreat
of a tape measure 

From distance a mind's eye 
only sees the black-lined quarter reaches
The edges of space determine
the depth to which the air can breathe -
it's happening in real time

The interest of reverence 
determines the full range this hollow bow
can chart fulfillment from
tacit understanding of the sacred ordained 
arrangement of order

Come forth from the space
craved and carved and created to covet
one's silken steely skin hardened,
lined with firm twine tension imprints,
binding the circulation

Blinding the movement of days
or the arrangements of isles owning
the differences, built out lifetimes
of knowing or not knowing how to fasten
a stake in opposing fields of wisdom

Matt Mauldin
10/2017
Santa Barbara, CA

First appearing in Event Horizon Magazine
https://eventhorizonmagazine.com/

Issue 3