Same-Psalm

On the uniqueness of the individual
there is plenty said, so let us sing

Same – the perseveration of pylons
shuffling to likeness on their clod-bound feet

whatever the slope. Each quirk of a bolt
here, there an extra bracing, is a symptom,

scar or affectation – in short, personality.

Like the knee-doctor who makes conversation
(gravely smiling) with this lesion, that dwindling

bone density, or the therapist or the priest
nodding to the same old hungers, two or three

same shames, same bruises, we come to the wood
of common being through the trees of detail

case by      case by        case by            case.