There is no fear
in taking the first step
or the second
or the third
having a position
between several Popes
In fact the top
can be reached
without disaster
precocious
The code
consists in noticing
the particular shade
of the staircase
occasionally giving way
to the emotions
It has been chosen
discriminately
To graduate
the dimensions
ease them into sight
republic of space
Radiant deepness
a thumb
passed over it
disarming
as one who executes robbers
Waving the gnats
and the small giants
aside
balancing
How to surprise
a community
by excellence
somehow it occurred
living a public life
The original design
was completed
no one complained
In a few years
it was forgotten
floating
It was framed
like any other work of art
not too ignobly
kicking the ladder away
Now I shall tell you
why it is beautiful
Design: extraordinary
color: cobalt blue
secret platforms
Heels twist it
into shape
It has a fantastic area
made for a tread
that will ascend
Being humble
i.e. productive
Its purpose
is to take you upward
On an elevator
of human fingerprints
of the most delicate
fixity
Being practical
and knowing its denominator
To push
one foot ahead of the other
Being a composite
which sneers at marble
all orthodox movements
It has discovered
in the creak of a footstep
the humility of sound
Spatially selective
using this counterfeit
of height
To substantiate
a method of progress
Reading stairs
as interpolation
in the problem of gradualness
with a heavy and pure logic
The master builder
acknowledges this
As do the artists
in their dormer rooms
eternal banishment
Who are usually grateful
to anyone who prevents them
from taking a false step
And having reached the summit
would like to stay there
even if the stairs are withdrawn
From Forces of Imagination: Writing on Writing by Barbara Guest, published by Kelsey St. Press. Copyright © 2003 by Barbara Guest. Originally published in The Blue Stairs (New York: Corinth Books, 1968). Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.