1

there is iron in the stone there.

it rusts; the water stains

2

the desire for knowledge is the beginning of wisdom.

awareness of a problem is the first step to solving it.

3

agonizing & considering, considering, considering

can find you analyzing six ways from Thursday,

but leave you answerless.

4

be patient: every day with the slip of the moon

the tide changes, the earth shifts and sighs

with pleasure

at the knowledge that her waves are moving into their appointed places.

5

in the end, no one else can be brave for you,

no one can make it simple for you.

put my name in for yours here;

this is selfish writing

6

truth is not beautiful.

it is painful in the way of anticipated injury: holding

a knife in one hand, preparing for the cut

that moment before hurting as much as the moment after.

7

here. silence spreads.

8

the stain of water rusts in grooves. the stone 

has softer places where the rust has corroded away

leaving a rock more lived in the changing

and losing of itself.