IN THE MIDDLE OF THINGS, BEGIN

BECAUSE

I have stood at
the edge of
the round place

feeding the
elephant
who feeds me—

because
paper is an ear,
so willing
and sound is
in my throat
waiting
to be caught—

because
the dogs are at
my heels
hungry
unforgiving—

while words
are faithful
they return
and nestle

because
night looms
as light grows

I have lain
at the edge
of that round place

and not fallen.