The Privy Lotus

cannot the love of a woman,
one woman, be enough?


why does love stand the test of posterity?
and questions loom around the rim of my mouth
and my lips form a questioning quiver


the valley is shallow
the bend of shoulders speak
and the flag masts overhead
and power plays two men
and accordions quicken


there is a light at the end of an alley
and none stand neath it
but a tramp whispers verse and
the beggar goes back to his family
and the successful go into the video shop


and while it all means something
it also means nothing
and there lies a frail child
peering into a better life
watching another child
frailer than thee
whiter than thee


and the woman sees all
knows all
and yet tells the man nothing
with a mouth that has said enough