The Constructed Space

Meanwhile surely there must be something to say,

Maybe not suitable but at least happy

In a sense here between us two whoever

We are. Anyhow here we are and never

Before have we two faced each other who face

Each other now across this abstract scene

Stretching between us. This is a public place

Achieved against subjective odds and then

Mainly an obstacle to what I mean.

It is like that, remember. It is like that

Very often at the beginning till we are met

By some intention risen up out of nothing.

And even then we know what we are saying

Only when it is said and fixed and dead.

Or maybe, surely, of course we never know

What we have said, what lonely meanings are read

Into the space we make. And yet I say

This silence here for in it I might hear you.

I say this silence or, better, construct this space

So that somehow something may move across

The caught habits of language to you and me.

From where we are it is not us we see

And times are hastening yet, disguise is mortal.

The times continually disclose our home.

Here in the present tense disguise is mortal.

The trying times are hastening. Yet here I am

More truly now this abstract act become.