i spent some time alone with my friends
pondering the glitter of gold
and the clear-fire of night,
paying homage to the china,
by candlelight i dreamed
of shortcomings and how to:

wiping chalkboard, the teacher spins the disc,
while children laugh and throw stones,
their desks more comfortable than
the crucifix they all heard of somewhere.
A shrug and curt nod
as they drift back to longings for recess
or snack-time.
The little girl in the back knows
she has no milk money,
but will gladly trade for some.

That's all they really want

A whistle for the stride
or a poster for the wall.
All the adventurous boys sense this
choosing to pool resources
to achieve a common goal.
They pruned the cattle
and slaughtered the choicest
for their own.
Jealous, tyrannical lovers
thrusting themselves such as,
shamelessly.