20 July 2025

By Philip Kuepper

They would row with the light,
when the light was
still, clear, pure.
No particles clouded
the blade-sharp shafts
of light that cut the water.
They would row through the blades
without getting cut.
Later, the light would shred
all it touched,
the light coming into collision
with the material world.
But, early, the world, still pristine,
the light did not collide with,
but made cream of,
the air, the water, the rowers,
the cream of light covering
the rowers’ powerful physiques,
their shells creaming
through the cream, the water,
so thick with light, it appeared
to have given itself up to the light.
Yes, early, before the day
could become soiled with the roar
of noise, the water gave itself
to the light, and the rowers,
and the whole of the world.

(9 July 2025)