Consequences

Some, seeing, need to say it –
the unknown, the known unsaid, the
blank map, the fascination, the dread.
Follow the invisible thread.
Befriend oblivion.
Say: There is a hunger that must be fed.

Some, seeing, need to say it –
the frenzied lovers, the penis poised, the noise
of a panther’s meat-hungry mouth as it feeds.
Say: Lust is life. It leads and we are led.

Some, seeing, need to say it –
the secret meeting when the
street’s asleep, all those lovers, the
appointments they keep.
Say: Risk is everything, it’s sweet with fear. We
play follow-the-leader though the price is clear.

The pen is poised , the paper needs.
Whatever joy or pain it gives we
burn for that truth
without which nothing lives.