Deep Seated

By Clarence Major

Deep seated
like the tongue in the throat 
like grains in wood,
like imp in impish
Like red dye
in the wings of an insect 

Restrained
Indelible like light green 
in deep green 

Grace has an interest in life, 
deep life 

Ingrained
I can almost see it
with wings flying above danger 
It flows extensively
with an extended sense
of flowing,
as though
it has a separate existence
so strong it might outlive us,
it will outdo us

“Deep Seated” from Sporadic Troubleshooting. Copyright © 2022 by Clarence Major. Used by permission of Louisiana State University Press.