30)

let me quote a fellow poet monk
the house was quiet and the world was calm
at 10:07 pm the urge to shake myself awake
i greet language as a friend
stranger and lover as i rise for a piss
from too much beer
i gaze at my reflection as my reflection
returns my look taking a good look
thru the prism of words possessed
and dispossessed
i bow deeply to that man who stares
right back without blinking an eye
and his language
i say the word *gratitude* aloud
i say the word because
i am so damn happy for this life