le châtelier

sits in his chair 

rocking back and forth 

toward equilibrium 

in a state of stress 

attempting stillness 

all he can do is shift

to counter the motion

reversing himself

drumming his heels

to push himself forward

only to rock back

with increasing pressure

he sinks into his seat

the more he concentrates 

the faster he flings forward

growing hot with effort

he falls flat to the floor

the chair left rocking

remembering his motion

as if nothing is missing

at last he is still

on the floor’s cool surface

the chair’s teetering slows

to a subtle sway 

softened by his imprint