Ode to a Second Narcissus

If you are

a road to choose
a treasure to keep
a happening to await
then I start to doubt

If you are

a river to cross
a cliff to climb
a monument to build

then I'm not up to the challenge

If you are

a beast to harness
a flower to pick
a butterfly to capture

then I am afraid

***

If you are

a book to read
a spring to quench the thirst
a field to plant trees in

then come to me, then come with me

for I cannot
conquer, acquire, possess
but myself.


Montreal 19 March 1986