Under the Volcano

for Malcolm Lowry and other

less sensitive searchers

there are still mysterious fires

burning under the crust of the earth

still uncharted underground rivers

unplumbed and unguessed depths.

 

the surface of the earth

still calm and unrippled

uninspired in flat continuous plains

or gentle hills and puny mountains.

 

the only hint of inner mystery

being the occasional fault or rift

(all hail St. Andreas, haunting millions)

though like all faults hidden and surface clam.

 

dare you ponder the mysteries

in search for life under the volcano

will you disturb the placid crust

risk the journey to the dangerous core

 

perhaps it is best

to leave what you can't understand alone

leave those inner fires untended

and endless rivers flowing.

 

the painter stares in the mirror in his studio

bare stripped to heart

                sees beyond the reflection.

naked and tense

                 awash with colours

the lines of his description elongated.

the world and the stars stretch him taut

in his passion and fire

                         close to breaking.

 

what is my mirror

where can I be reflected for knowing

in crowds endlessly swirling

see a thousand faces that are my own

under the stars am I reflected

against the backdrop of darkness.

 

I walk through the world

alone but never lonely

                         watching

any freedom I have I earned

any trap I have found I have made.

 

when I walk through city streets

winos and bums ask for my money

always polite but never ashamed

there is mysterious union between us.

 

words are my life and make me nervous

talking about what I know leaves me witless

drained of energy and gasping for breath

I am calm but struggle with volcanoes

the forests and hills are my home

                                I never go there.

 

the words of freedom are on the tip of my tongue

surrounding the page, holding the pen

love and work have brought me to the edge

                                there is always danger of falling.

 

I am learning to walk softly

I want to love the flaming volcano

with words I cast a shadow

there is an angel in my madness.