NOBODY'S PRAYER

Regarding good things we should do
yet haven't,
help us help us to do more.

Regarding good things we would do
but couldn't,
lift us to lift us ourselves.

Let us all hallow, hale, conserve
all the good things of this world,
until we become I-It-You.

IN EXTREMIS

I'm dying. What about you?
--In God's image, aren't we
headed for eternity?--
Don't ask me, I'm dying.

As the lion sinks its teeth
somewhere into living meat,
sit down at your table, eat--
Am I the lion or deer?

While the buzzard with its beak
tears apart the lion's face,
lie down on your pillow, sleep--
A monarch or a scavenger?

I see a tube from mouth to ass
where you see Ozymandias--
Please excuse me if I laugh!
Don't mind me, I'm dying.

After listening to Isabella Rossellini’s
Commencement Speech, May 29, 2010


“Follow your bliss! Follow your genie!
Like that model, Rossellini--”
That is very good advice, kind Sir,
Excuse me--while I follow her.