The Hardheaded Young Poet Poem by RIC BASTASA

this morning he finds the last line
he decided to put the last word
there is no period and the image is that of a verb
this push and pull without restraint
the yin and yang and the moon and sun
i suggest another thing perhaps another verb
like a flowing river
a falling rain

but he said he has decided to put what may sound at most
pornographic
i embrace silence since i know what a poet is
this hardheaded creature who makes the walls and doors of stones
and roofs with all the Spanish tiles

sometimes i wonder if hearts can be made of platinum too
for mine is as red as bricks
with wires as veins
and chest like steel.