Ten Miles North

I love this one. I'll consider entering it in a poetry contest someday. From A Loop Around The Sun.

Ten Miles North

I remember, on the palace grounds of paper, finely 

lined,

Arcs of grass, small, bright birds, and a deep 

whirlpool to wind.

With a candle, in a floating tower,  I claim my liquid 

prize -

Fifth or fourth, I’m ten miles north;

I work, I’m alder size.

I remember, near the path of stars and formulas, I 

find

A silent quote, a wordless note, a lens that must be 

shined

With a gesture in my empty hand, I laugh to I realize

No smoke or sword defeats the hoard,

I work, I’m alder size.