Bring the Dictionary

It can’t be only for the great
Pile up of extraordinary

Words—stained glass can be breathtaking
When the sun’s behind it, but still,

Most people will prefer windows
They can see through and something worth

Seeing through to on the far side.
People like words like that, like frames

For a wonderful, priceless view,
Words even better than windows,

Words like screens, portable vitrines
Carrying other worlds with them.

Who wants to be stuck in the dark
Cathedral of fine poetry,

Surrounded by ancient stained glass
Vocabulary, not a clue

What’s on the other side, except
That it’s more or less dark or light?

The cathedral’s worth a visit
And minor, murmuring respect,

And if the weather outside’s raw
And ugly, maybe a comfort.