There is always

there is always

looking back

the last first time

pouring the syrup

of wide mouth innocence

as it first appears

on everything

this outpour

as a rush of newness

with everything meeting it

face up

almost as a formula

set forth in slow motion

to be endured

in the memory room within

way beyond

what receivership expected

what purity could this be?

beyond even

the trappings of recognition?

as one could say

“from beyond the beyond”

and then . . .

what is the take

from the soft fireworks

of meaning that sources

without the default of subjectivity

without the war room of tradeoffs . . .

without quick twitch linear considerations?

what ‘then’ is implied

beyond linearity’s frailness?

what could this embodiment be

without soul reference?

there is always

the last first time

as it now is

and only this . . .

as every first last time

as long as time is that bystander

somehow handing it to me

giving it to me

as this now

for then

there is always . . .

this last first time