These are gleaned 
from a much larger work, 
'Ten Thousand Whispers'.
They are written
over the years in diary form
and are a wonderful way
to catalog moments
with startling clarity.
i dedicate them to my
Children and Grandchildren
whose existence has provided
me with a tenuous but reliable
grip on sanity (sometimes).

(22)
THE BOTTOM UNDER
Hear still water sighs
Our fathers walk beneath them
Countries of our lives
----------------
(31)
NIGHTLIFE AND STARLIGHT
Lightbulb city lights
Human shadow creatures live
Stars light country nights
----------------
(32)
KIDS UNDER BLANKETS
They are pod people
Open them up to the Sun
They smile gratefully
----------------
(34)
UNARMED/SANS UGLY
Horned toads under rocks
Little boy hunters learning
Certain lizard death
----------------
(43)
THEY WILL FOLLOW YOU
Want peace in your town
Make the adults stay at home
Children will join them
----------------

i would paint with words
soft and violent colors
stabbing caressing
----------------
Children are pieces
of a wonderful puzzle
the sides and corners
----------------

Esplanade (continued)

i'm breaking bread with the serpent, 
making love with the mice
There's a game i play with the devil, 
betting against loaded dice
And i die at the end of my prayer;  
my face breaks the Earth unafraid
Your heavy stones on my body;  
i whisper...  "Sweet Esplanade"

continued on page 'Boys i Have Been Me'