pathophysiology of preposition

it was not the ash, but the moment before.
the greenstick lens anticipating its own fall.
not suffering to move when the blade came.

it was not the ash, but the moment before.
when every waiting grain of sand lay still.
when the memory of fire bore no malice.

it was not the ash, but the moment before.
the cracks on the pavement gaping wide.
bronchioles bearing their own good weight.