WORKING THE BULL

in madrid they told me
you do not understand
the religious significance
of the bull fight
you outsiders,
foreigners,
would never
appreciate it

maybe so
but I would still not
applaud his death

look at the matador
our brave hero they said
as the bull and the ticking afternoon
weakened
it seemed like posturing
a fixed deal
if death is upon us
can beating it not be given
an even chance?

but where does this exist?
no we know it
the truth, whatever it is,
in the bull ring it is against you

it is mathematics

when I watch them drag
dead men from the ring
and turn bulls into heroes
maybe then I will believe
I have found it
maybe then I will applaud death
not until

WATCH OUT FOR LITTLE DOGS, THEY STILL HAVE TEETH

There is no fear of death.
I am only frightened
That I may not have lived
Enough when it comes.

It is not the time left
That concerns me,
But the time wasted,
Already gone.

Dying and going to heaven
Is highly possible
For the believers.
Living in hell
Is more probable
For the rest of us.

It is not the wide,
Open future,
Yawning before me
But the sprawling,
Echoing past
Biting at my heels

Like a little dog
Demanding attention,
Howling
Pitifully.

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