When do we ever get the time to write? How many other things, too, shoved on a ravenous back-burner, Listless and forgotten by us are Submerged by the chatter of the immediate? The present: a hoax as we rush towards futures Instead of contemplating deep-seated desires. In our language we grow accustomed to phrases suggesting failure: "I once wanted to be...", "When I was younger I dreamed of..."! When did those visions vital, instinctive, Become trivial? Thus obliterated by a measured maturity Society hands down, while run by those who think nought Of following pure, unfettered, cardinal desires, Of daring to be Without hedging bets. A maturity, handed down with instructions and uniforms By those for whom norms in behaviour are weapons of power Like chloroform before the mugging, handed down To those who hide their best For the sake of mortgages For the sake of currency And the sluggishness of accumulative wealth Clutter we at once must die for and then leave. All this in exchange for a chance To be instinctive and live vigorously and, savoring the taste of life, Take it with us.