Debt

I saw us play the tangerine

With candle lights and gasoline.

We contemplate a harmful game

It’s like a show, this dance of flame.

Let’s not pretend we’ve not been warned

Before our hearts were all but torn.

It’s time we crush that to the ground

For better things are to be found.

We’ve found it easy to forget

So I’m afraid we are in debt.

Pain is the school in which we learn

Lies are the fire with which we burn.

(Inspiratie: Delmore Schwartz, “Calmly We Walk Through This April’s Day” from Selected Poems (1938-1958): Summer Knowledge.)

Rocky Places

I know a place we could go on Mars

A distant face who speaks with silence.

In darkness is looking at the stars

So torn apart, so blind with science.

The little rocks are ground with patience

They’re round and smooth but sting like fire.

There’s nothing kind, ever so gracious

For at this game they never tire.

So now let’s throw them at each other

Or sit in silence should we rather?