~~~

so few synonyms,
for so many needy

for a place of
shelter
by any name

call it what you may,
proffered here to thee,
but yes, but no,
nothing is ever free

the toll to pay is this...

clarify and prep clean a vision,
do away with the dots and floating swirls
seen beneath closed eyes,
get the senses ready,
Purell sanitize gel
all your sad ways of thinking

then
breathe out so loud,
confirming you're genuine, ready, eager,
for you have been prequalified
to be here
to earn a place of
shelter  

no other way
other than:

read thy fellow poets,
earn their trust,
learn their signatures,
let their phrases of cleansing comfort
be all the
oasis, refuge, sanctuary, haven, asylum, retreat
you ever need...

fear not the tactile voyage arduous,
we have all paid and made it intact,
when you arrive,
prepare for a
welcome stupendous,
from us who have long patient awaited
more than just your first edition arrival,
but our newer combination additional,
bringing us all to a refreshed
state of grace

~~~

Shelter Island
August 9, 2015