Five minutes ago (again)

I often understand what my work is really about only months after it is complete, and I've been staring at it, and the thing I can't escape, I write, and so learn: this painting is about slippage.

Five minutes ago (again)

I laid out this line

And tended it well

And walked its boundaries

And mended a crack

            And nodded at my tidy work.

Five minutes ago (again)

I opened my eyes

And stood in my power

And made friends with my fear

And told myself I was enough

            And guarded the gates of agency.

Five minutes ago (again)

My heels were there

My hea…