Although Some Wish We Were

The body, all the bodies, all the breathing
Human bodies, each a rage machine, a love
Machine, a fear and sneaky cheating machine—

You feel this fact every time you lose your head.
You may dream of being the one who doesn’t.
You may reflect in the calm of your study,

During the hymns in church, while meditating,
Or simply sitting on your favorite bench.
Being already calm, calm comes over you.

Ah, wisdom. You are receptive to the words
Of wisdom, the voice of God, the sage advice,
The rational explanation of it all.

Don’t be deceived. Enlightenment will fail you.
You will lose your religion, at least briefly,
Your sagacity. You will tremble with rage

To say ridiculous, outrageous, damned things.
As if those words cared what foolishness you roared!
Words can afford to be wise. We’re not real lives.