ghosts

i
because i hate
   no one

i choose to imagine
no one in this universe
   hates me.

those who approach
   with raging minds &
   slashing claws

surely are attacking
   phantoms––

that made them
   bleed

tore their
   honor

cheated their
   sex.

they loathe some image
   like my own––
   not mine.

they curse some
   guilty body puss––
   not me.

ii
those who know me
   are my friends &
   live in a heart
   we share.

there’s always room...
there’s always room...
   for one &
   many more.

iii
of course, there are
   misunderstandings

when we hide
   trembling on the
   dark side
   of the heart

leaving the sun
   in patient time
   to warm the shadows.

iii
& if i hurt someone
   by accident or
   maimed intention

may God & that person
   forgive me &
   help me forgive
   myself

& heal that injury
   & undo that
   harm

until i learn &
   & finally learn

to put my ego
   away.