Instinct

Instinct


It's long been assumed
That children are born
Without instincts, requiring a parent
To love them and bully and beat them
Into a virtuous life.
Kittens are weaned from their mothers.
Like chickens they flee from the hawk
Just out of the egg.
But people – the glory of god -
Are nurtured to do as they're told.
And if the parents are zealous and eager,
Their children are hammered like copper.


11-25-13

At Denny's With George


People's motivation – this is deep,
Thoughts and riddles while they are asleep,
The universe, the ocean and the sky.
Does anything occur when people die?
But when I write at Denny's – am I there?
I'm not deep – except an urge to care.
Cattle standing stiffly in a field -
People who hear “no” but do not yield -
The music from poor Junkets and his pen -
Never aim to emulate again -
Writing poesy, but what to say?
Miracles a million miles away -


11-25-13

Emily


Strong and happy.  Is she happy?
Well, she makes me so.
But concentrating busily
With a job to do.
A Lady Atlas with the planet
Balanced on her shoulders,
But carried like a dancer
On a stage in front of none.
She laughs and smiles.  No.  Giggles.
And as open as the sea,
With gentle lazy waves that lap
The beach a hundred miles.
Like a dream she walks in sleep.
She reads my poesy.


9-26-13