Wave Trough
Sets the folds in alignment;
this a shallow, a constitution of drops
that moves to displace itself
and unconsciously reverts
to image.
In such a state,
the wave has become a setting—
a table across which cups
with propositions rolled inside them
are passed.
The passage of cups does not limit
the range of potential outcomes,
and yet at no point does the wave
dissolve into abstraction.
The shades
are drawn and we are
overwhelmed by flags
crossing the black divan.
An axis of rotation,
gliding a fraction of an inch
and yet unveiling its total mass.
Advancing, the disc of its body
shimmers. Alighting on the sand,
it reveals itself in a cluster of pulses.
Dilated, it lifts from the sea floor:
fine spokes radiating on a wheel.
It passes between bands of bright
water, a kiss or a plow.
Copyright Credit: Robert Fernandez, “Wave Trough” from We Are Pharaoh. Copyright © 2011 by Robert Fernandez. Reprinted by permission of Canarium Books.
Source: We Are Pharoah (Canarium Books, 2011)