SINGLE. SOLITARY. WORD.

try as it might this day will not wind up
it's cord unleashed in the alley
frightened tail-less cats darting
this way and that

i've sat atop the hill all day waiting
for the wind to blow me over
onto the other side so i can roll
on into the street

instead i seem stuck like a pin in it
the people blow and swirl around me
but i am static, constant, unwavering
quite involuntarily

there was a stretch in the early morning
when i was not awoken from a strange dream
or a passing pain or ailment
and i was thankful

but now i grab the night's arms
and shake it into submission, saying
"i'll pull shut the window and light my candle -
make you lie awake with me."