poet’s work

the poet’s work, as
i understand, is to
nurture the
heart

converse with
silence

to walk & think &
feel in a
dream of
words

to resonate with the
syllables of
creation

to be busied with
eternal
things.

but i have a
love in this
world, whom i worship
with my fleshy hands &
earthly heart.

i do not wear a
shaman’s robe, or tote a
philosopher’s
staff

i cannot claim a
gift of
   tongue

         my life is
   no more than a
      prayer for her
love, or a

      chant to draw her
near

      i cannot know
why or when or
      ever again

but perhaps in the
      fullness of our
blessings

   i will learn to
sing.