A possible autobiographical explanation for where I'm at when I'm not in.

The Lilac bush: a centering of soul


From the middle of the lilac bush,
from that hidden secret hollow
amidst the green growth coolness
of summer's respite,
the world goes by,
on one side cars kicking
gravel on occasional flights,
and on the other,
a bantam cock attempting
to herd white rocks,
a flash of green, gold and black
storming around the peaceful
cackling feathery clouds.
From the middle of the lilac bush,
you can be when
and where you want to be.
Each daydream climbs unseen,
as you are unseen
by the nervous bantam cock
or anyone else
who comes into the yard
or calls for you
wondering where that
dreaming child could be.
Even now you can
draw it around yourself,
and from the middle
of the lilac bush
let speeding cars
and nervous cocks
and their cackling charges pass
while you climb
in clouds unseen.

Jerry Engler