ALL AT ONCE

All at once
The pressure shatters
The fragile glass
Hardened by heat
And time contained
In rigid framework
Unexpanding,
Forced to remain still
And keep out storms,
Letting nothing in,
A barred window
Seeking to reflect
The light external
And hide the darkness
Behind and inside.

All at once
The broken pieces
Collect and cut,
Many seasons
Of inclement weather
Resisted, yet felt,
Now become endless,
Penetrating rain
That washes out
The pane’s façade
‘Til, flooded and heavy,
It knows no support
And thus collapses,
Unable to serve
Its purpose clear.