FOR INNOCENT EYES ONLY

 

            Let's get serious.

            Let us speak with clear words

            Meaning what we say,

            And saying

               how we mean

               what we feel

               when we are

               what is real:

            Not banalities, nor pleasant

               platitudes

               of suburban life;

            But please, let us speak

            Not just of the painful

               --yes, life can be harsh,

            Nor just the sad

               --just because it hurts

               does not make it more real

               or more deserving

               of our attention.

            The Glad

            Need not be silly

            And happiness and hope

               are no less serious

               for their joy.

            Let us laugh,

            And get serious.

 

                                          c. 1978