Deep inside some problem of self-perception
a face believes very much in its own importance
charges its electronics often
when a face finally alights upon
the desired object it buys all of it
to have too much of many good things
to know that everything can be undone
this is how a small life can be as prepared as possible
hoarded goods a kettle of rusted water
to secure against winter’s lightlessness
or what if again long travel approaches
on highways wedged/pressed
between hot machines the brown dust on fire
to which a human face can respond like
a scared domestic thing or like
a crazier animal
for what if it cannot be returned
for what if the direction can’t be taken back