Any Measure

 

Any Measure

The gull's wing brushes ground,
hinders hurrying feet

like a tether shortens the flight

of a house-bound felon.

Tireless, the gull crisscrosses sand

alone or orbits its kind

to feed, as if simply staying alive

would heal this aileron

unfolded, drab raiment —

brown & white feathers opened to air.

I so want to chase

(as if I can run) & pinion

frenzy, petition a midwife 

to reposition, to swaddle & sling

the fracture, as if release

could comfort.