Poesi för en måndag i karantän: Linda Gregg

We Manage Most When We Manage Small

What things are steadfast? Not the birds.

Not the bride and groom who hurry

in their brevity to reach one another.

The stars do not blow away as we do.

The heavenly things ignite and freeze.

But not as my hair falls before you.

Fragile and momentary, we continue.

Fearing madness in all things huge

and their requiring. Managing as thin light

on water. Managing only greetings

and farewells. We love a little, as the mice

huddle, as the goat leans against my hand.

As the lovers quickening, riding time.

Making safety in the moment. This touching

home goes far. This fishing in the air.

(Linda Gregg - 1942-2019)