Win Some Lose Some Poem by RIC BASTASA

we do not get everything
some things simply are set aside
when the other is taken
we choose
we take and cut and take priorities
we decide
which to give and take which to throw away
and keep
for now i have chosen
this speechless joy
i have sewn some noisy letters
and keep things serene like a lake
without rain
this purification of pain
this savoring of longing
love clinging
like oysters salivating for pearls
to choose words
those joyful chords