Can we write

Can we write

This time, can we

Write with words

As if they mean something.

Can we bring the pen to

Shine some wisdom we

Don't already feel, or

Know or hold in our

Heart of hearts

(or body or

feet or nasal passage)

Can the words on the

Page write a poem

That rages before the

World or do they

Merely doodle a line

Of red ink along the

Smooth white page

Irrelevant and undone

Before the poetry lived,

Breathed and soared

High above the world

And ancient cliff face,

A river raging, a tumult

Of life and living and

Wandering and wonder.

Can we write with

Pen and ink or

Must we write

With our lives?