Shelf-miles measure
the extent of this collection.
Here is knowledge, there an insight,
here a gift, there a lapse;
a box of petty meanness
in an aisle of selfishness.
Here comes a clutter of small kindnesses,
an attempt at the large and risky goal,
then an alcove for passionate devotion.
Pass along a row of useful achievements,
a shelf for honourable failure,
and an entire section of endurance.
A wholesome collection, taken all in all.
Catalogued and stored,
these records cannot be erased.
Still incomplete, each day adds its own notation
to this archive of possibilities made actual.