Some fill their homes with fine furniture.
When they die, others cover everything
with dusty sheets.
You want to think you are special
because of one thing or another.
Will you beat me blind with becauses?
I can see!
If you doubt whether you should burn like this,
look to the sky.
The air fueling this fire is the breath of God.
Leave loose tongues to loose women;
they are fine.
But stories are for children.
Know your lover exists by the breath on your face.
Know by your helpless screams in the night.
Go ahead. Wake the neighbors.
Remind them, rhythmically, who we are.
Tell them, if anything, Oh God!--
life is for living!
Copyright 2007 Todd Mertz