Do not presume
that precise proofs
will pacify purple periods.
Payment in full for prayers
at the pagoda
will not point the pilot
to the polestar.
Put presumptuous papers
next to the python and the peacock,
who pick and plink
at the pearly pebbles in peace,
as a pair.
Forget this pyromania,
this perfumed painless poison,
these painted pages.
Better to postpone your pity
for poker-faced penguins.
by Christy Noel
3/13/04