In Sullen Streets  . . .
(We are smitten O Lord)

Lord help, this orbit is vicious
And we, sages?
We inhale your breath and decipher
Light, incandescent
Lord the stupor benumbs
The rains,
The heavens are mercy
What pattering of feet?
What clamour ?
Truths that we seek are a balm
For earthly desires; glowing mercy an antidote
For the flesh;
The carnal spirit is no oracle
What can we? What can’t we
A child is weeping somewhere
In the smouldering dust of garbage
A toothless smile is a burst of freedom
What can we? What can’t we?
Lord we pray in solitude
Stamp the truth of desires
Witness fresh rains, limpid
as the meandering stream
We are smitten O Lord
In sullen streets!