Tarrying in the Negative

It was there, in the dark wood.

It was among the trees that shook

Like verdant waves against the wind.

Light leaking from the western sky

Drained across the forest floor,

Melting twilight, each in all,

Until that dread shadow roared,

And sent quickness to the air,

And sent tremors to the hearts

Of those denizens of the dark,

Betting all upon the night’s

Defense against the night:

Edges reassert themselves. The All

That is not This, is torn away.

Spring 2023