Without

What are liberals without conservatives

truth without spin

vision without sight

peace without war

strength without weakness

…three without four

What are predators without prey

the moon without earth

storms without rain

trees without roots

jailers without prisons

…hurt without pain

What are chains without links

ice without cold

death without birth

children without laughter

cruelty without kindness

…pens without ink

What are seasons without Winter

discovery without fame

time without moments

letters without cursive

voices without ears

…praise without blame

What are ravens without wings

vows without promise

kindness without meanness

masters without slaves

today without tomorrow

…joy without sorrow

In Reference We Wander

In Deference We Pray

(The New Room: July, 2022)