(the provisional) X
[E]

you must refine
       your client lines
the code is visible
we don’t want them
       to know it’s there
       unless they look

and then
       they’ll see
       another blade
              of grass

you must refine
       your message lines
so what is said
       is comfortable
       to those who
              overlook

we must refine
       our message lines
so those who clasp
       to contravene
are they themselves
       enclasped

we are the school masters
we protect you from our imagined fears
we keep you in the coral
you grow where we direct
you’ll be a fatter bottom cushion