Measurements

12/16/92

Inches and yards
Never answer when I call.

Lacking any innate sense of measure,
I fall back
(in)to my body
for my ruler.

Breadbaking - roll it out
Two handspans long, one wide.
So, too, the mound of spices fits
Just so into the cup of my palm.

Thumb-widths of suede fall under the punch,
As the length of my arm
Counts out ribbon or cord,
And I pace the length of rooms.

It is not enough.

My body yearns to measure you,
To learn you -
In handspans and armlengths,
Fingertouches and caresses -
To lay my length against yours
And make you part
Of what my body knows.

Back to Laura's Writings list

Kelthaven home page