PETER LEIGHT

I Have Plenty of Energy but It’s Mostly Potential,

not on a mission for instance,

not even trying to be responsive,

as in a waiting room
that isn’t finished waiting,

I only mention this because I don’t want you to think there’s something I’m not telling you. 

Pressing my hands against my body,
as if I’m keeping the energy inside
                                                    inside,

not relying on my inability for instance,

I don’t believe we’re disagreeing, 

as long as it’s potential
I don’t even know how long
I’m going to wait,

           is it longer than I need to? 

I think I’m saving up,

rubbing my chest
and pressing in:

it’s tender the way it always is.

Lifting my face
and turning around
                     like a side by side comparison,

not even thinking about the outlook for instance,

I don’t believe we’re disagreeing: 

as long as it’s potential
I’m gathering my strength,

concentrating on the strength of mind,

as when you put something away
       that you haven’t even taken out

in the first place,

not strapping on a headlight
or tucking a flashlight
into my pants,

not on a mission for instance,

if you ask me what I’m waiting for
I’m going to tell you

I’m not waiting for anything.  

Peter Leight lives in Amherst, Massachusetts. He has previously published poems in Paris Review, AGNI, Antioch Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, New World, Tupelo Quarterly, Matter, and other magazines.