Poetry Is Not Just A Word In The Vocabulary Of Our Thoughts Poem by RIC BASTASA

meaning can have a problem
without a concrete equivalent.

a flower can only be a word
and word cannot tease our senses
if the petals are not shown
if the sun does not reveal its colors
of red and white and blue
if scent is not smelled by our very own noses
if wind cannot be cold if
leaves cannot be touched
if nerves are not tickled
for what can a face of love be
if not in the face you love
for what can God be if your hunger
is not satisfied?
what can our hands be if warmth
is not felt in your very own palm?

poetry can simply be vocabulary
if there is no dove in there that flies in the
very air of your longing
for what can poetry be if i have not touched
your breasts
kissed your lips
if we have not slept together that night
when we are too lonesome
lost and deprived?

how can i appreciate poetry in spirit
there are bridges of the skin and flesh
its rivers of feelings can take me there with you
its fire from within, its rage from without.