Outside

Outside


Sometimes, when
I feel extremely lonely,
I'm tempted to open the door
And go outside.

Outside, there may be a woodpecker,
Or a camel,
Or a lover.

If I opened the door,
I might see again
The girl who long ago
Rubbed my arm,
And said,
"I hope to see you again."

But, I can't open the door again.
I've opened the door too many times,
Found hostility, indifference,
Or a broken telephone tossed
into my front yard.
There are never any camels,
or even birds in my neighborhood.

I'll stay inside, stay behind closed doors,
Caress the one leg of my one-legged lover,
the wine glass.


Duane Locke

Posted over on Tripod