Adult Faustus

Adult Faustus

By what merit does the image enter the mind?
What human gift winters in hearts, hardens
and strikes the flint of tongues? I can point
to no visible worth in my person. A swarthy and
unreasonable pride sustains me; bony, unpurged,
gritty to the teeth. Flange of salt mouths. Rim.

We set out, lifting the stakes that held our tents.
The universe, uneven, has many cavities. What
should it signify if the image that enters the mind
comes true? From what earth should we gather our
salt? From what firmament the fixity of assent,
what shout in us and blade?

You who watch, gaze into the eye looking back at you.
How long are you spectator? What will be left of a life
you are just able to describe? I am willing to honor
an undiminished strength. I leave my loom for new
thread. Allow me confidence to complete my task.
Is it within my reach?

My gaze meets you as the question forms.