I’m a humble fish
In a coy pond
At the edge
Of a river
Where the wind
Runs wild.
Fish is a noun.
Fish is a verb.
I’m a man
Speaking
Like a fish
Out of water.
No. Wait.
I’m silence
In motion.
A blank sage.
Neither noun
Nor verb
Nor fish:
A blank sage.
I’m a thin blade
Of short grass
At the edge
Of a river
On the verge
Of collapse.
But I’m not afraid.
For I have fallen
Apart before.
Yet here I am.
With you.
Be not afraid.
All together
Here we are.
Be not afraid.
Charles B. Snoad 