I now know that time
does not move
in the same way
without a difference
for instance
at the checkup
while you reach each
milestone at a year
such as eating things
by yourself and pulling
to stand with
a helping hand
how can I be sure
I myself have not
passed by some
demarcation designated
by the fullness of
my belly after crawling
to chase you down
the hallway out of breath
does that song still mean
as much now as it did then?
how many more will pass
before you get to know them?
do the years spent
in limbo without any trace
of your premonition
still feel as desperate?
in fact yes they do
witness these bread crumbs
I continue to brush
off my sleeve out of rest
the dishes that need solving
each evening after repast
how is it that you have
some idea of a spoon?
why do I hold mine
with such messy assurance
as if I have some gift
imparted by the passing hours
turned into years
I had no idea were mine
even as I gave them away
to wherever time goes
these morsels you grasp
so easily now in your hand
sometimes they reach your mouth
if not they are caught
by grace in a bib above your lap
Joshua Keiter 