Have you ever tried to draw a picture
without lifting the pencil from the paper?
One line, uninterrupted and looping
in on itself, swerving in arcs and switching
directions at sharp points.
The line grows at a constant rate
but the vectors change, how the wind is blowing
and the wobbling arrow of the compass.
A head hanging closely over the paper
and a hand pressing the pencil with trembling
force against the desk.
Eyes squinted, focused intently on the next
angle as the lead begins to tremble and crack.
Just a little more, just one more turn
the piece hasn't come together yet.
The timer beeps its descending count
10 to 9 and 8 to 7.
Sweat condenses on the brow
and the lead shatters
as it lets out its electronic shriek.
Now lift your head, trace the line with your finger
where it loops and why,
and when the work is done you will realize
where the line drifted away
from the hazy picture you had in your mind.
A scribble dons the paper,
the line intersecting randomly
and turning when it reached the edge,
influenced by the frame, not your whim.
