If words alone could change the world
the poets would still reign as kings,
and those who may rely on swords
would spend their time on lesser things.
The lure of verse, both blank and rhymed,
would tempt young minds to greater heights;
to cast aside appearances
and reclaim beauty as their right.
If words alone could change the world,
then love would be the ruling act;
for more has been said on this verb
than said on any other fact.
The search for meaning would consume
that span that runs from birth to death;
and those who would conceal great truths
would waste both time and precious breath.
If words alone could change the world,
each pulpit, podium and stage
would needs be guarded night and day
lest some loose phrase escape its cage
and in an instant, raze to ash
our vain illusions, leaving naught
except the aching poet’s mind
that dreams of texts no longer taught.
19 AUG 2007
