SELF-PROVERBS

by Peter Schwartz

1.

I must carve out my
departure from this
avalanche of days

2.

decipher the
clockwise

3.

endure these heaps
of the habitual with
hourly bones

4.

free the covenant
holding the early
evening hostage

5.

throw away these
penny omens swarming
like crows

6.

handle my motives
like horoscopes; pin
them to the stars

7.

develop etiquette
for the ethereal;
a road map

8.

become impenetrable
as an amen

9.

find other tools
besides rattles
and plumage

to woo the rust
behind my heart

10.

keep the world out
of my pocket
of rations

11.

develop some
museum for
the ordinary

12.

become pawn
as parable