i
why else
but to worship
do we walk this
fragrant earth?
...this
precious earth?
& what can precious
mean, but
sacred?
& what can elegant
mean? or
pure? or
beautiful?
although i do not
know much,
i know this
i know it deeply.
it is not an illusion.
ii
americans living off
the fat of the millennium.
we have too many things,
but not much wisdom.
we take
tear open
consume.
we cast aside.
our hearts are
cool
we may be
dying.
iii
i mourn
our predations.
iv
i live to serve the
light &
love the
darkness.
v
i sneeze &
sacrifice the tissue.
drink & sacrifice
the straw & waxy cup.
for this i praise
the mother tree & ask
forgiveness.
vii
whose hair is turning
white on this head?
whose skin is crinkling like
a burning leaf?
where the vein dives deep
into the flesh it is
sacred.
vii
does truth have a name?
does love have a form?
these words appear.
where do they come from?
where are they going?