The Jaundiced Eye Poem by RIC BASTASA

to a jaundiced eye the world
appears yellow

and that includes all the details
and shades: the graffiti and
the effete

a society overrefined
turning yellow green with age
and envy

over the happiness of others
those who jumped over the fence to find the unique
pleasures of
violet grass and
purple clouds and
gray sun

one must not be bothered by the latest news of himself
narrated by
an acquaintance from far north
where the buffaloes are butchered

a name is kicked out from the pages of the morning papers
over a cup of cold coffee
another refined destruction of an icon
in you

listen the mesmerizing sound of your name
as you pray to
your favorite saints
do not be afraid
that is what is always said inside your heart
be not confused
in the middle of the crowd
there is the lonely you

listen to it carefully
it is the only true and honest voice
it does not betray you
and so
obey it.