massive

i lose myself in narrow verticals,

upright horizons drawn small

and the pinpoint caverns air-cut 

into a close wall's tile grout.

so lost, i become much:

a molecular cave-dweller, whose ragged tribe

ekes out a careful living on these sheer cliffs

(which stagger unimaginably above, and below)

huddled in our shallow caves with children,

meager camp fires, survival's camaraderie.

loftily perched i salute my giant self-opposite

which, though huge and omnipotent

lacks this: my impoverished, desperate tribe,

possessing nothing, ragged, loved, and free.

and i, massive to that small self,

long to be so powerless and amazed.

Feb 24, 2012