To list every truth
is long work, of course, and hard.
For example, I’ve
never done it, nor even
tried. I know some nights I’ve said
that I would, or even could.
Some nights I have said
that I have seen it,
gilted, with onion skin pages
so that you’re always reading
the page behind it,
the page behind that, the page
behind the others.
I say that I have wrestled
every word and walked away
smoking while it exploded.
And you, God bless you,
let me say it all, even while
you hold me, even while
I’m safe in your hand.
My wings are bright fruit orange,
a warning to the world
that I’m poisonous, but you
have kissed me and you
licked the bitter from
your lips and smiled, said
oh you liar flower,
oh you wild delight.
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