Rae Armantrout: "Running"

"Let's say the universe

is made of strings

that "vibrate" or thrash

in an effort

to minimize the area

that is the product

of their length

and their duration in time

      *

Let's call contraction

"focus"

or "pleasure."

     *

You'll step forward,

I know,

into the contracting

light

ready to like

anyone.

How far will you get?

You'll be far ahead

and distracted.

By what?

I won't see it.

I'll be running to catch up.

I'll know you

by your willingness.

I won't believe

that what's continual

is automatic"