What are liberals without conservatives
truth without spin
vision without sight
peace without war
strength without weakness
…three without four
What are predators without prey
the moon without earth
storms without rain
trees without roots
jailers without prisons
…hurt without pain
What are chains without links
ice without cold
death without birth
children without laughter
cruelty without kindness
…pens without ink
What are seasons without Winter
discovery without fame
time without moments
letters without cursive
voices without ears
…praise without blame
What are ravens without wings
vows without promise
kindness without meanness
masters without slaves
today without tomorrow
…joy without sorrow
In Reference We Wander
In Deference We Pray
(The New Room: July, 2022)
Van Winkled
I went to sleep at fourteen
and woke up at forty
A prisoner of reluctance
—casualty of time
(Dreamsleep: July, 2022)