Poem I001 Poem by RIC BASTASA

what you say i keep within
i listen and then i filter and then i give you that gaze
the impression that you matter
you have been suggesting that life must be relaxed
a little bit, even a little, like a tiny spark when stones
are rubbed when fire, who knows, is born
for another conflagration,

ask me no more, i gave you the gaze,
you are not dumb you know what i mean
you were not born yesterday i never say that
but you must understand
i've got so many things to do in my life
and i have no time for talks
i put my hand on the table as a mode of
surrendering to the greatness of toil
i scan the pages of what we have not learned
i read each line carefully
i do not really understand but i am telling you
this word had kept my faith
each syllable moves me pushed me
i know not finally where
but i take pride: i got direction and i keep this
compass
north to south, east to west, sun or moon
or even the stars

yes you hinted upon a star, but this is never
in my heart
i keep this boat sailing, i feel the wind, i like the waves,
but there will be no anchor,

there is an island, we are not landing.