a sign outside the baptist church reads:   mass at 10 a.m.   &apathy's a glove in which evil will slip a hand.   no, i don't know if i would go that far,    the sentiment seems unforgiving.   although, i do agree,   the unexamined life is not worth living.      we fill our days like books of stamps   decorated like christmas trees.   collecting years like hockey cards   there is boredom &there is victory   but those afternoons, when you stumble on    even the tiniest epiphany   well, you feel so in focus   &it's, it's amazing.   so i walk &try to look about as if for the first time.   the poetry of imperfect pavement   or a turned off arbee's sign.   this exercise in forced perspective, the tiring push &pull.   as we strive for freedom &presence   through clinging &letting go.    yes, we strive for freedom &presence   though empty, &hollow.