May 15, 2020

Of Oceans and Dance Practice

Perfection is not what we're making here,
                                                                 unless
a fitting assembly of imperfections
is what you mean. The assembly takes
                                                                 practice,

as do the various imperfect endeavors
                                                   themselves
and the various imperfect people who
practice them, those adventurers in the arts of
                                                   imperfection.

They are practiced seafarers, who know
                                      mastery
is not the aim but readiness and
attention to detail – how clouds and sails
                                      billow,

just so – or don't – what to do about it, and
                           when.
No one has time for perfection on the
open sea; something more nimble is
                           needed,

something more open to surprise and
             responsive
to the shifting demands of waters and sky,
less imposition of will than acceptance of an
             invitation

to practice dancing 'round the blue world.