local time – a poem by Sue Swartz

(local time)

That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you—

Undoing, unbecoming—
Giving it all back.

Consider the simple green bud of self
and within, all our restless fertility.

Consider our short-lived tenancy as its tiller
and tender. How things fall through.

How rest is not loss, still is not fallow.
How to stop without sacrifice.

From we who desire by Sue Swartz