Centering Clay

Dig something you think

might last from the earth

and wedge the air from it.

Then clean the wheel, the

one which spins on its side,

the one which goes nowhere.

Slap the clay on the wheel

and sit forward with your

legs firmly planted. Brace

your forearms against your

thighs. And wet your hands.

Let the wheel spin. Keep

your hands steady against

the clay which wants to

leave the wheel. Though

it feels like the wheel is

shaping you, try not to

think of anything. Like a

quiet worker shaping forms

for God to bring to life in

the fire, hold the clay, like

the sum of your time on

earth, in the center for

as long as you can.