To Your Ears.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

you are air.
your name is air. I know you in some other variations.
aerated, ariel, aerophogastolic,
air balloon,
tear gas,

what ill wind brought you here to me this morning?

i could be an ill wind myself to bring sickness to the minds
of the sleepy people,

but i did not. I stay here, alone and steady. I like to be still.
Still as a steel pipe. Birds may come and check if i am really steel.

i do not mind. I have no more time.
Throw a stone at me, and i will make you some music.