The Graal technique was developed in Sweden in 1916: the
      initial bubble of glass is overlaid with different layers
      of crystal glass, coloured or clear depending on
      the outcome of the desired and planned design.
                                  —Ola Höglund and Marie Simberg-Höglund

There are waves

that reach us and waves that we

send out. Layers coalesce

like the rings of trees, mother

of pearl.

               Its first form is called

a gather (though it only smolders

to itself). To shape it,

you will need a potter’s patience

and a welder’s sense

of urgency.

                     The object is becoming

That which, at our lips, might heal us—

but if you act too soon,

your work will sag

under its own burning

weight.

                          Hesitate,

and it will shatter in the cold.

Some compare this substance to

the mist that rises from new graves

in that country.

                          When day returns,

you can’t take back your breath.