Even the high road floods in times like these,
and one who distains those who learn to swim
still pretends the water lapping at their knees
won’t soon splash up to soil their halo’s brim.
Never mind that humanity may drown
in the low-lying stretches of maya
if you have your feet upon some holy ground
that surely won’t sink into the playa.
Oh, you who can read the signs in the skies,
what good are your sensible boots and cloak
while your brother stands naked and shivers?
For the rain does not mind your poor disguise,
and often chooses whom it will to soak;
Those who share their lifeboats, it delivers.
08 MAR 2003
for Pietro
