Nightingale & Sparrow

If Nothing Else

If Nothing Else

Jessalyn Johnson

but the general faults in the solar system
or the notes in the margins providing insight
to temporary notions of faded ideas;
if nothing else but if the rain reversed
or if a collection of dust as a force of nature
were to become profoundly instrumental 
the way children solve problems 
and adults solve themselves
or the half life of something with a shelf life
gives away nothing but numbers.
Potential may erupt like a geyser 
to show off like a prize
and harness like energy or another powerful force
for spinning in circles is a creative transit
that leaves with no destination 
but arrives someplace new
in a universe that exists only in theory
yet allows lightning bugs to glow.
So if nothing else, there is one last iris
or else, and only or else, is there nothing.

Jessalyn Johnson