To drink
from my well
you
first must believe
Each cup
that I proffer
permission
received
The fuller
your bucket
the stronger
your vow
Each word
that you ladle
rebaptized
— aloud
(The Radnor House: January, 2024)
In Debt To The Devil
Money buys
freedom
when blood’s
overdrawn
Reality’s
greed
destiny
pawns
Money buys
freedom
its truth
to bemoan
Dignity
truant
the future
— on loan
(Dreamsleep: January, 2024)
My Present To You
I remember the day
you borrowed my pain
“Take it,” I told you
no need to explain
It’s shopworn and battered
each scar duly earned
Its weight a true burden
of prophecy spurned
Then when you’ve finished
the torture complete
Find a new soul
to will it discrete
But no matter what happens
or how much you cry
This loan is forever
—forever goodbye
(Haverford College: January, 2024)