LEISURE:POETRY

On this other wavelength, calm down and let's do a poem together to help explain some notions and perspectives that exist in our society's domain. Here is to you all. I Speak for the Bush by Everett Standa.

when my friend sees me

He swells and pants like a frog

Because I talk the wisdom of the bush!

He says we from the bush

Do not understand civilized ways

For we tell our women

To keep the hem of their dresses

Below the knee.

We from the bush, my friend insists,

Do not know how to 'enjoy':

When we come to the civilized city,

Like nuns, we stay away from night clubs,

Where women belong to no men,

And men belong to no women

And these civilized people

Quarrel and fight like hungry lions!

But, my friend, why do men

With crippled legs, lifeless eyes,

Wooden legs, empty stomachs

Wander about the streets

       Of the civilized world?


      Teach me, my friend , the trick,

So that my eyes may not

See those whose houses have no walls

But emptiness all round;

Show me the wax you use

To seal your ears

To stop hearing the cry of the hungry;

Teach me the new wisdom

Which tells men

To talk about money and not love,

When they meet women;

Tell your God to convert

Me to the faith of the indifferent,

The faith of those 

Who will never listen until

I Speak for the bush:

You speak for the civilized

Will you hear me?