Outside

Outside


Outside of this thing called “self” other things
Exist. Planes fly and birds have wings.
After the flood, Bourbon Street still sings
While in the park the boy’s Frisbee zings.

Outside of this thing called “self” other places
Be. Baghdad bombers with covered faces,
Afghan mullahs wagering on camel races
And phony UN food bank thefts, disgraces

Outside of this thing called “self” another side
Is. College hoopsters play for school pride
Wartime discontent spreads far and wide
As the numbers tally of those who’ve died

Outside of this thing called “self” other lives
Call. Away from bad husbands or evil wives
Or bad debts or children with raised hives
Begging for licenses to kill and drive

Outside of this thing called “self”, this thing
Called “I”, there are other songs to sing
Other poems to write, new verses to bring
Renewal, life, and hope to the hoards begging.