Freedom (2001)

Freedom

Here it is
    Right now!
where the pen touches the page
        makes a ragged seam
            across the fabric of Today
        when you stand with your dishcloth
at the kitchen sink
        or ride the grim highway
            like a silver stallion

or buy groceries
    quarreling with your children
or cross the meadow alone
        on a Sunday afternoon;
            It follows you

    This thread of red ink!

We must tear our lives open
        to stop losing them,
let our vital waters replenish the soil.

Why all this petty carefulness
    the watching of scales, tables and charts?
        Such precious care.
What are you protecting?
          You're going to pass away anyway!

See your passion in the sunlight
       flowering iridescent
             spreading like a peacock.

Here we crouch on the brink of disaster
            on the imminence of a miracle
swimmers on the shore of a sea
    eaglets on the verge of a canyon
        lovers on the first breath of ecstasy.

Will you sew a shroud or a pennant?

Though we are no longer young and limber
    Come with me.
        Do cartwheels through the park.

October 2, 2001.