Routine

these days these times
warp and woof lives
so caught by routine
a retirement deposit here
a mail deliver there
a garbage pickup out there
time for a haircut
midmorning apple
a romp in the hay
dental checkup

overlaying basics
are embroidered touches
accenting color
surprising appearance
diving and surfacing
in pattern and out
loose enough to fray
tighter than fate
one thread
begs another

never yet time enough
for everyday flotsam
or a thing of beauty
to stand long
alongside eons march
each a vanity of breath
entering leaving
never before never after
in its time precious
sufficient