We Write Because.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

we write
beyond their frames of reference

we write because we have traveled so well
this journey of life
seemingly without end

so many things to see still
so many places to traverse
rivers to cross
skies to fly our hours

so many bridges of this world
so many black birds dissolving in fading afternoons

so many waves that sing of folding times
so many mountains gummed

so many sorrows and joys
kids begging on the streets
prostitutes strutting their bodies on long and lonely and hungry nights

so many decent men and women nonspeaking their ways
on airport halls
lots of sounds on the malls
sipping silences on private beaches
exclusive hotels

blending colors
mixed scents
intriguing dialogues
colliding bodies
salty sweat
cranky faces
all sorts, all sorts
of intricacies
and idiosyncrasies

a very interesting
world
indeed, indeed!

so many people with their mouths eager to tell
the stories of their lives

i walk, i listen, i keep my mouth shut
i write

we write because there are people who want their stories to be written

we are all ears now,
and fingers too

must you ask me when shall i stop?

let them all shut up.