The library

a sign outside the baptist church reads:
mass at 10 a.m.
&apathy's a glove in which evil will slip a hand.
no, i don't know if i would go that far,
the sentiment seems unforgiving.
although, i do agree,
the unexamined life is not worth living.

we fill our days like books of stamps
decorated like christmas trees.
collecting years like hockey cards
there is boredom &there is victory
but those afternoons, when you stumble on
even the tiniest epiphany
well, you feel so in focus
&it's, it's amazing.
so i walk &try to look about as if for the first time.
the poetry of imperfect pavement
or a turned off arbee's sign.
this exercise in forced perspective, the tiring push &pull.
as we strive for freedom &presence
through clinging &letting go.
yes, we strive for freedom &presence
though empty, &hollow.