I want to write the poem
that empties my soul onto the page
       for all to see
       to feel
       to taste...

    I want to find the words
that can bring meaning to this thing we call life.

    I want to write the poem
that saves the world from itself
      and its pettiness
      because it is the black
               and the brown
               and the red
               and the yellow
               and yes,         even the white
that makes this life worth living.

    Without any one of them
we are incomplete.

    I want to write the poem
that captures that peculiar mix
of love and regret
       I feel for my father
       on those days he transcends the stereotype
           of transient adolescent lust that begets single mothers
           and we are simply       friends.

    I want to write the poem
that disguises itself as a metaphor
apologizing to my mother for those teenage years
       when I thought I hated her
       when I really hated myself
          and though I'll never be that prodigal son
          I will always be        her son.

    I want a metaphor that comes close
to describing the love I feel
at the sight of my wife's smile
       when all is right
       the glow in her eyes
       that highlights her hair
       as it tumbles down
       tickling my face
                   making my soul dance
                   to the ancient percussion
                   of a contented heart.

    I want to write the poem
that comes as close to perfection
as the truth can get
      stripped of metaphor and simile
      absent of hypocrisy
          and,       more than anything else
          I want to be that poem
          so my grandfather's soul
          can rest in peace
                 knowing that his gift was passed on
                 and is being honored.