A Headlong Stretch: v. Backwards Man

It's only looking backwards

that you retrace your hand

it's only in a moment of reversal

that you can see where you stand

ease out, come through the film and through the mirror

welcome the backwards man.

Oh yes, the beach still stirs the ocean,

and soon the tide will turn the moon round

all is forgiven and all was foreseen -

all's as it ever could be.

Ends forced motive out of meaning

means all even out in the end

retracing steps

in the process you learn to stand,

learn to walk again

so much gets forgotten, so much is forsworn

in retrospect.

Did I really do that?

Was I ever so young....?

It's here, looking backwards

that you confront your own face

it's only in such moments of reversal

that you're secure in place.

Through the fire backwards

again and again

return to base.