Trans-parentcy

People who still have parents
are interesting to me.
For instance, my friend Clarence
yearns for transparency –

he wishes he were free as birds –
all naked, wild and glad –
but can’t be: his existence girds
him – if his mom and dad

were to get even inklings of
(he thinks) his truest soul –
they’d freak – retract their fragile love –
and leave him in the hole.

It’s not for me to say what he
should plead or pray for, dread –
but surely he won’t atrophy
before his folks are dead.

And while they’re here he might take notes
on how they misbehave –
and help them sow their wild oats
before they hit the grave.

We all have secret lives, desires –
Clarence’ parents too –
let’s light them into healthy fires –
before our lives are through.



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