Unbecoming

The self shrivels in its shell,
unquerulous,
makes a few adjustments
reinforced by contingent aspirations,
scuttling all redemption
In crab cast whorl.
Occasionally,
perhaps from curiosity,
revisits the portal sites -
and seeing the same world changing
unchanges, retreats,
cramped in liturgy of fear.

How does the lotus flower fully open
in all its intricate capacity?

11 May 1998