but its melody recalls

                           faces I’ve seen

                           and it orchestrates

                           possibilities sought

                           day after day

                           after my coming of age

                           when taking the oldest calling

                           I’d say

                           One two three four

                           I want to give her more

                           Five six seven eight

                           Fine beauty I appreciate.

                           It’s the song of aspirations

                           and approximations of my life

                           giving measures to truths

                           of love and infatuations

                           the heartbeat and rhythm fluctuations

                           the melody flowing through my chambers

                           the desire between the lines

                           the endless refrain.  

                                                           —Mike Bayles