The Tree Bark Shoved Into My Heart

 

A drop of sunshine broadens the ground and shines 
like a coal upon the blazing street. And I am enjoying 
the last of the wine which tastes as good as the 
tree bark shoved into my heart. 
 
The brown of the tearless eyes corrupt the message 
swooshing from the lips. I am the growing river 
 which slides like a storm into the shore. Some 
voices cry against the wind, others shout in 
support of it. 
 
I am neither for or against anything. 
 
A crucifix dangles from my neck. It was a 
gift from the children. They grow up so quickly. 
They grow up like weeds 
 which have flowered despite the thistles and thorns. 
 
They call them wild-flowers. They call them uncontrolled. 
They define them in a multitude of labels so that 
confrontation can be erased. 
 
I am as defined as the next man, as shapeless in my 
exterior as a dripping candle sloshing wax 
 into a plate. 
 
A letter waits for me in my former mailbox. I understand 
it contains the fabric of my thoughts. I cannot imagine 
such a mailing, and one defined for me alone. 
 
Stick a needle in the arm. Drive a wedge between 
the heart. Life is a process of adjusting, of 
 correcting attitudes which do not comply 
with the flavoured faces of the 
people hiding in the dust. 
 
I am forgiving but not forgiven. I am silent 
in my loudness which becomes my armour 
 against the nestled carpet of denial. 
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