2. My Second Poem (Myshkin, 2020) · couplets

Her body, light and free Laid out in front of me My system, open wide, No place, nor need to hide To write a poem--me?! What strange insanity… I still feel scared and small With women worst of all The trace of what was shame Is whispering my name "She'll find you out and leave, It's foolish to believe." But Council heals my heart Predictably fresh start. Last night--our third first date. Is she, or is she not my mate? Am I, or am I not her man? What is (will be) God's plan? I open up to Life. Beloved kids and wife? Community galore, With people I adore? Or stillness, solitaire, A monk without a care? My options self-reveal. I am. I think. I feel.