5/3/2003

He says
the secret is
that
there are
no
strong men
or
beautiful women
and
you can
rest assured
if
you take that secret
to the grave
you have not
been deceived.
I catch his drift
and
am not willing
to quibble
about the rest
because
more concerned with
putting up
the small
elegant house
outside
the main house
a guest house
for evil spirits
who need
a place to stay
and
do not take kindly
to renunciation
but
are mollified
by this
small accommodation
a sign of respect
a courtesy
a wise decision
concerning those
like the poor
who are always
with us.