her numbers start out as a system of names
-an orderly dole of differentiation

she methodically ascends,
keeping careful track:
"8 stair 9 stair 12 stair 2 stair"
-to each its due

she wants grilled cheese in 5's not 4's

she is most of the fingers on her left
or most of the fingers on her right
-whichever comes first

time too is full of fingers, points, impertinence;
hours subdivided with the tic (and take stock) of questions and of claims,
incessant requisition of qualities,
a now coming to terms

but on these days only assertions are truly adventuresome, heroic,
and questions guests of guesses

which nothing more than a tape measure,
she reaches new heights of tautology