Keeping Things Whole by MARK STRAND

In a field

I am the absence

of field.

This is

always the case.

Wherever I am

I am what is missing.

When I walk

I part the air

and always

the air moves in

to fill the spaces

where my body’s been.

We all have reasons

for moving.

I move

to keep things whole.

From “Mark Strand: Selected Poems” (Alfred A. Knopf: $10.95, paper; 152 pp.) In addition to seven volumes of poetry, Strand has written several children’s books and published numerous articles on painting and photography. The reissue of this volume coincides with Strand’s designation by the Librarian of Congress as Poet Laureate of the United States. copyright 1990 by Mark Strand. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.