To Begin

Oh, to be given the gifts

of the chameleon!

Not only the ability

to match the vital facade

to circumstance at will,

but also the capacity

to see in two directions

simultaneously.

Left. Right.

Forward. Backward.

How much gentler

our time on this planet,

and how much more

certain of our place

in the world we would be,

drawing comfort

like water from the wells

of our homes.