Oh! The revolutions we have been through
The many different spins we have taken.
A turn to the right,
after our earlier flirtation with the left.
All these years—
Just trying to
find something
that clicks.
First Night on the Job at the Psychiatric Ward
The night seemed perfectly cast
stormy, thunder and rain—
the patient was biblical,
long hair and a beard
with his staff
at his command.He put a paternal hand on me
and called me his finest creation
what could I do but thank him?
He smiled
with divine
patronization
undoubtedly
I was a much valued acolyte.Then suddenly
a flash from the storm lit the building
in a momentary spectral glow,
a clap of thunder
howled down the locked ward.
he looked at me like a proud teacher
patting me on the back
"Good work, kid, good work."
Mother Leading Her Boy Into the Ladies' Room
And he takes her hand.
And walks into that room,
with all his reluctance
and all its strange allure.
And it will be a woman he will trust.
Who will teach
him the right way
as he drops his pants
and releases a fine, diffuse spray.