Odette

In the beginning there was talk of constant light,
annual tidal waves to clear out errors, a ban on all forms

of nostalgia. The new world was asking for wants
so I sent off my list: music with personal meaning,

pilgrimages for self's sake, some feelings ranked for translation.
To spoil the end, I wasn't given a window or door,

but a boat, blindfold. To spoil the beginning, I was given an oar.
Shown the way to skim water over the top like a breath.

--from ODETTE