the elements

beyond the noise and chatter of word-cluttered mouths, there lies an immense silence
sunk within the chasm that separates skin from skin
in a delicate balance that obliterates consequence in every touch

elements conjoined form a solid state defined by sharp lines and daring contours
but even the sharpest object is a blurry cloud blurred into sharpness by clumsy eyes
and the solidity we imagine is mostly not even air... it just isn't any thing

when we whirl around each other in a frenzy of haste and activity,
the busyness and industry generates a sense of meaning
but our progress is stunted when we realize there is no substance, nor could there ever be

stand and watch the faces go quickly past... all will perish, none will last
but they keep going, holding on to what they are, true and fast

how could you deny them, or this?
when there is magic in this street lamp, and your feet keep walking despite you,
despite you knowing they walk only toward an abyss

how could you deny yourself any of this?

these ghostly shapes and shadows around you may be all you have
but at least you are one of them