Where words are written- there to speak

Unto a gathering replete with students

Standing on their feet

To offer what’s been said or thought

About a certain war we fought

Or just a page or two on love

Or how we just can’t get enough of sex

Or truth or inner peace

Through one’s impassioned press release

Off pages and from memory

Each tapestry of poetry

Anointing lips with sanity

Born out of one’s diversity

Through pure synaptic alchemy

To rest upon each knowing brow

Like trenches wrinkling the now

But not forgot by kindred types

Who need to share another’s prayers

And gripes and hopes and songs unsung

Until this night when everyone may listen

To their heart’s content

To what each missionary sent

Beyond the walls of apathy

Where Spirit-filled intensity erupts

Amidst the scrutiny of think tank homeopathy

And cattle call auditioning

Designed for intense listening

To those who test the outer limits

Restrained to last a mere five minutes

 John Christopher