Fool Proof

by Paul Matthews

Who appointed me
to this high office?

I do what’s needed,
bend my knee
to read the midnight
signature of snails
across my doorstep.

My employment is
to mind the overlap
where self and leaf
braid into the wind
their ifs and maybes.

School unmused me
with its dictations.
Why are we not told
that every small thing
is inlaid with fable?

Fool that I am,
I give my life to this.