i don’t know the name
of the blues that shadow our path
one is sweet and light
a cool meringue
another sharp
but still
a third thick
presses down upon the rest

cobalt they would say
of the uppermost-
a blue that hums deeply
a harmony of firmament
refusing clouds
denying stars
shining inside the cosmos

a forever blue
where life dies
and is reborn
an eternal blue
that exists above the storm

a blue that doesn’t suffer discord
that would smile if it had a mouth
embrace if it was armed
comfort if it grew heart

but instead it arcs
a concert of blues
hovering over the earth
in an endless ocean
of impossible quiet
thick with blue beyond blue
a blue that disappears
when clutched in the fist
a blue that is
invisible and solid

devorah major

(from war tears copyright @ devorah major 2008)