Indulgentia (+2)

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)