Do Not Wish To Understand Poem by RIC BASTASA

do not wish to understand a poem
much as you wish to understand feelings

feelings are not meant to be digested
and understood
you see them and so let your hands be soft
you feel them and so let your heart be kind

compassion, this fruit of the commonness of
of our time together, love may not take root
and there shall be no tree between us

i least expect joy. If it comes it is welcome.
let is speak to me and i shall listen but

i am the worshiper of pain and in mourning
i shall compose my songs