One Word of Hope

I’d rather write the truest book for just one man to read Than draft that one of mass appeal, —to blush but never bleed I’d rather speak that one great line to a canyon vast and wide Than forever to recite mundane what an audience will comply I’d rather die a poet’s death than an actors out on loan I’d rather live within myself than in crowds where I’m alone I’d rather give my last few breaths to that child at my knee And leave with him one word of hope, —that he may then set free (Villanova Pennsylvania: August, 2016)