Life's Work

Life's Work

BY RAE ARMANTROUT

1

 

Did I say I was a creature

of habit?

 

I meant the opposite.

 

I meant behavior

is a pile of clothes

 

I might or might not wear.

 

Before all the sowing and reaping

could go on for centuries,

 

before the calendar,

I must have been convinced

 

that my movements

were both mandated

 

and blessed.

 

 

     2

 

I've never been an old woman

knitting by a fire

 

but I've played one

in images

 

where it meant being foolish

or wise, a mistress

 

of distraction's

indirection.

 

To rock while entwining

is life's work,

 

but I am reckless,

restless