*****

There have been a time or two in this poet’s past when she might have “done very well indeed.”

But ~ she din’ dance.

*****

Recorded Reading (1:36): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wlyu0ubwog7sbuj2ysdng/Unpatronized.m4a?rlkey=bguyxfxcgmsdp6qavvcsfz2fd&dl=0

*****

Unpatronized

Perhaps I wake up in the night
Shivering with cold
Blankets notwithstanding —
These bones are tired and old

Maybe I’m made miserable
By tormenting insect itch,
By inability to bathe —
Homeless life is just a bitch!

Maybe I am so exhausted
Incessant inspection by
That even simple conversation
I no longer even try

It might be that I am destined
Never to know any more
The simple, sweet security
That I knew before

But something higher I have earned
Something have more precious won:
When the time eventuates
To give opinion on

Any in the subject range
Human diversity of
I remain free to defend
Unconditional love,

Ascending inspiration
And healthy boundaries
Without the low temptation
Aught paymaster please

And, as with words, my actions
I may bring unto
All that’s best and highest
In my experienced view

— Deprived of every comfort
But the animal
At least of my authentic self
My words and actions may be full

*****

Homeless until removal of the stalker/targeter/vandal/arsonist following her allows her to approach any landlord ~ even for a private parking space ~ this poet presently lives under perpetual threat of towing with all possessions should her 23-year-old van stop running for any reason.

She is badly in need of a modest reserve with which to field any emergency which might occur.

Donors may visit http://www.UgiftABLE.com , using code #72D-31S. It does take several days for the poet to be notified of your patronage.

Thank you for reading, and may your holidays be happy ones.

*****