poetry, in a word

good poetry invites the reader on a journey,
dictates pace, charts a course.
for the poet, words are the medium,
and also the invite.
exposing what’s there,
and always offering more.

a willing participant found in the reader,
means choosing the depth and breadth of the venture.
one pass can glean one nugget,
then multiple, simmered even slower,
uncovers the mine.

mediators, these words,
yet not without context.
metaphor, references, hyperlinks, allusion,
pack power beyond the page.
words carry far more than appears,
if simply willing to dig.
that pack of flavors,
that lens with unique tint and hue,
shows up on the paper
each word chosen, purposed, sought out.

for the poet and reader meet,
infinite collisions possible on the page,
intimate touches to experience in this dance.
it’s the words brushing a glance,
tickling the head,
cupping the heart,
it’s the word meeting flesh.

intimacy and potency of a word,
a poem, a creation act, a prayer, a person.
a Word precious in the hands of a poet,
generously and tenderly offered.
then with grace and truth,
laced with an extra power,
packed with generative energy.
poised to create things,
declare, summon, unlock, free.
on the journey, a Word acts,
dictates direction, marks a way.
this Word moves different.
this Word hits different.

this Word,
this Love.
and it was so,
and it is good,
come afresh again.
the wordless becomes a Word.