The Carpathians - University of British Columbia

2 tin pails
cups and plates
a frying pan
knives, forks and spoons. "(2)
Above all these, have in your possession:
"one axe and one grub hoe. (3)
Do not be afraid,
for these are your survival, your comfort
when you lose your way,
when the stars move with you
and the trees have legs.
You will be honed by your own sweat;
your hair damp and sticking to your forehead,
the back of your neck,
salt from your lips on your tongue
as you lean into this work
as into love. Even the wooden handle,
cupped in your curled fingers,
begins to remind you of your wife's cheekbone
as you trace it in the dark.
You must become uncivilized
in order to hack out a space for yourself.
To finally scoop a piece of it
into the palm of your hand,
letting it trickle through your spread fingers,
as you walk upright, at last.