The Pledge

A pink blossom handed over
For safe-keeping while it wilted,

Handed by offspring to parent,
Who made a show of saving it

As a way of acknowledging
That the offspring loved the parent—

A gesture that’s been enacted
In many forms and with many

And various sorts of objects
Playing the part of affection—

What was its enduring value?
Many would say sentimental,

But it’s somehow vaster than that.
I would rescue you, if I could.

Incomparable

Has anyone tried
To search for the first
Point used to anchor

The comparisons
Essential for you
To explore your worlds?

The first point, the first,
To which anything
And everything else

Was analogous,
Was comparable,
Could be contrasted

In spreading webbing—
Was there such a thing?
Or were there many?

In the beginning
Was no description
And then something was

Like something other
And already known,
The light, the first day.