Cardboard Boat










The thing to remember
about Hope
is that she is
always elusive,
will o the wisp,
a wily little imp
who asks you to dance
and smiles sardonically
as she steps on
your toes.

In an unguarded moment
Is/Will Be
dissolves into
Was..
Separated as if by a hedge
grown high--
no passage through.
Voices on the other side
Whisper Taunt
What if /Would have
and should some oh so clever mind
Invent a machine,
a transport through time--
we would only
despair at the moon
howling over opportunity twice missed.

(Image: Odilon Redon, Bateau Rouge)