Madrigal

The man consumed by thirst never stops

To ask if the glass were half full or empty,

Even though half-way to freedom means

You are only half-way from slavery.

Black birds cross my path like black cats

Cawing ‘sorry!’ for all my black bad luck.

And again I will ask you to remember

That I once wrote what was needed, and

If you have to ask, you haven’t drained the glass

and you haven’t searched long enough to

Find me free in the place we used to be

Where we loved each other close

Where there was more shelter and fewer clothes.

Touch the face pressed smooth with lips and love

In a place where we used to be free…

Now in a window through glass darkly I am framed:

The evidence is all around me posted and paned.

Turn away from the sill

It is time to bend to the stronger will.

Come along now, it is time to meet.

Come up from your chair and out through the door.

There is so much to see: here is the world, and more…

8.22.2006/ 1.26.2011