WORDS

Cynical words shaped my thoughts
   when an assuming person came neigh.
My body heaved, twitched, and coughed a bit
   then let those cynical words fly.

Nasty words, both vile and vain
   were drawing very near.
I made a leap and used my hands
   to snatch them from her ear.

I took those words, one by one
   and placed them in my pocket.
They tumbled and fought and snarled at me
   then departed like a rocket.

I chased those words round the town
   as a hound would chase a rabbit.
Every time a word drew near
   I’d leap right up and grab’it.

The only spot the words would still
   was holding them in my han’.
I even tried to quieten the words
   by placing them in a can.

The words were ugly and mean,
   placing black clouds in my fate.
I took the words in my han’
   - and one by one - I ate.

Barnum Taylor © 1995