Go into the dark and natural world willingly
quiet and still, and welcome the voices and faces
waiting for you.
Go there and greet your loneliness and fear,
sit with them and talk, drink a cup of coffee
and break bread with them.
Smoke a pipe and listen
while they teach you. Do like those prophets
who've recorded and transcribed.
Then like an oppressed slave
devour their art and wisdom and memorize
everything and make them sing your songs.
When you return and walk thru ruined architecture;
roll up your jeans; pay no mind to the wandering eye.
