Viola Poem by RIC BASTASA

at this time
of uncertainty
when the head is bald
when the pain cannot be pointed where
when the locks of hair
rests on weary pillows
we begin to know
what living is: it is today, not tomorrow
not before this
not long after that
it is the word between my lips
my air inside my mouth
the breath in my nostrils
it is the uneasiness in my fingers
it is the closure of my
eyelids
today viola
life is life, there is no other
the promises fall out
from their hearts
the warriors in us
step out from the chariots
the wings on our feet
become skins
and callous harshness
today viola
i embraced the day
because there is no other
actually.