August Admissions
(inspired by "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers)

I can only sign sometimes
Like a deaf mute, my silent eyes
Can only sign
To no one hearing what they see
How much can a lid hold back
Will I pour forth from my gaze
My wordless exchange
I can only sign sometimes inside

What exchanges hands
Between hands holding gifts
If hands can hold
Things they never really touched
How much of you strewn in a box
How many carats express a hope
Unless hands touch
What exchanges hands inside

But have you looked
In the mirror lately your reflection
I always see
If I stare underneath your long hair
My eyes are touching your hands
Holding gifts, exchanging wordless signs
And no one hearing
But have you looked inside

9/19/98