Lying in the sun
and lying here so still
an egg might slowly hatch in this still hand.

The people pass
abruptly they nod.     :     they smile
trailed in the air, silence follows their faces.

I know, lying
how the hills are fixed
and the day-moon runs at the head of the fixed hills.

Nothing crossed the field
all day but a bird
skirting the tall grass in briefest transit.

Their stern ideas
are a long work to each
and even armored we hardly touch each other.

The wind leans,
the air placed formally
about these faces and thoughts in formal dance.

Silence hangs in the air.
Nothing speaks but the sound
of certain rivers continuing underground.