let us not mock the orphan
his also blood of the sun
contracts and thickens in our veins
marrow and sinew of earth
invigorates our nerves

let the thumbed hand not mock the foot
we who tread with steady illuminate step
so for the earth supports our longing
and the way is bathed in light
breathe with joy
for air is pure and prefect to our lungs
love with delight
for her wings bless us naturally
and we cannot complain

let us not mock the cripple
also child of the turning path
through mists of galactic gestation
into the savage glory of nerve and blood
which articulates the light

let the arm not mock the wing
for
not one star more upon the heavenly neck
nor one cell less in the bone of a stillborn child
could sustain this perfect choreograph

1979
to steve