The Mark Learns the Tide

There is a mark on the wall And it will not become a sign I keep the lamp low I give it time

Small as a seed Dark as a thought Nothing to read Nothing I bought

Still it keeps Still it stays Still it opens Weather in place

Whirl up slow Do not break Tide in the plaster Pine in the wake

I climbed on the chair And made it dust I came back down And learned to trust

Some things shrink Under the hand Some things need The room to stand

If I name it too soon I lose what it made If I call it a door The door goes away

So I will guard the mark I will not ask why I will let the small dark Teach the wall the tide

I will keep the cup near I will keep the lamp kind I will let the room hear What the morning hides

Not a wound Not a word Not a message Not a bird

Only pressure Only grain Only weather Learning my name

So I will guard the mark I will not ask why I will let the small dark Teach the wall the tide

I will keep the cup near I will keep the lamp kind I will let the room hear What the morning hides

There is a mark on the wall And it will not become a sign I keep the lamp low I give it time