Explore, Regardless—part of the collection, Shapes of Man

by Jeff Hardin    
(Phoenix, Arizona)

Carrot of immortality, stick of perdition.
Candles in cups, sprinkly waters in gaudy bowls.
Smoke in bags, colored glass, statued scenes.
Ancient tongue telling you to kneel.

Baubles to woo, crutches to hold up bodies
Already straight.  And mists to dull the mind
In search of fruits from a tree we will explore,
Regardless.