I am late.
\nMy thoughts are late.
\nNo one approves of me.
\nNot because they wait.
\nNot because they care.
\nBut being late is an imposition
\non their importance.
\nI cause no harm
\nbecause no one thinks I\u2019m worth waiting on.
\nBut it is a principle,
\nthe social fabric,
\npart of being a public and social animal.
\nSo I apologize to everyone
\nwho notices I am late,
\nsneaking to the table,
\nbumping knees,
\nbegging forgiveness.<\/p>\n
However,
\nno one ever asks why I am late.
\nThat the universe held me up in conversation.
\nThat galaxies asked me directions.
\nThat birds sat with me
\nlistening to the concert of the wind,
\nand I was obliged to wait
\nuntil it was over,
\nnot to disturb anyone.
\nThat a dog had a message for me,
\nkissed my hand
\nand asked me to linger for a moment.<\/p>\n
Dogs do require time,
\nlike love,
\none doesn\u2019t hurry,
\nand who\u2019s to say our conversation isn\u2019t important?
\nAnd for a moment
\nGod asked me to stop and admire the sky.
\nIt was so beautifully drawn.
\nNo one was looking at the purity of the blues,
\nthe breathless rise of the clouds.
\nSo I stopped and admired,
\nand hung it in my heart
\nwith the rest of life\u2019s collection.<\/p>\n
So it was I was detained,
\nnot late
\nso much as busy with myself,
\nand the happenings of the street
\nand woods and shore,
\nand last night\u2019s dream
\ndemanding a poem.
\nSo forgive me,
\nI\u2019ll take my seat,
\nstand at the back,
\nkeep my mouth shut,
\nand resolve not to be late again,
\nunless<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I am late. My thoughts are late. No one approves of me. Not because they wait. Not because they care. But being late is an…<\/p>\n