Preparing For the Journey
Having got there by the way you went
Through turning turnings axle-deep in muck,
The blooms of petrol fumes behind you spent
On spinning tyres, and muddy rainbows sent
Unpromisingly up behind the truck;
Having got there by the the way you went,
Fixing brakes broken and tie-rods bent
From tired skill, no hope, and failing luck;
Having got there by the way you went,
Having got there by the way,
Having got there by your own intent,
Dirty, bare beyond unbaring,
Apparitions offer waves
To one another on the screens,
Still acting out yet other scenes
In darkened motion-picture caves,
Not uncaring, not quite caring,
To try to force an opening-out
Of passion packed up past unpacking,
And leave some room for thoughtful life.
But stanzas quick with laughter, wild with wit,
Don’t alter purpose or make up for it:
Our fruits are fatly ripe, their blossoms gone;
Illiterate children see them hanging on,
Pluck them, eat them, and throw away each core
Without a thought for what else fruits are for.
[This message has been edited by MarcusBales (edited May 01, 2001).]
|