Before the writing,
collecting memories
silent endowments
pages without lines

Before the writing,
I traveled a dreamer
imagining truant
what tomorrow defines

Before the writing,
the words clouded over
passing in bunches
like birds on the wing

Before the writing,
the wind was my compass
direction e’er changing
intention to sing

Before the writing,
my spirit a bachelor
no phrases to husband
no verses to wed

Before the writing,
immersed in tomorrow
my freedom untethered
—to go where it led

(Dreamsleep: December, 2021)