Tensile Course, Stay

Without ropes, enduring
at the height of could go away

stay; without tether
at the height of would know leeway

keeping along, while time whiles
sharpened log, one whittle at a time

sailing, faulty compass, currents on a windless
year, waiting for which god, oh that one,

with the turnips and carrots 
that grew while we were looking the other way

tense, of course, where we are 
remaining, hearing whirs.