Houston H. Haynes

Celebrate well the word.
While a mere word is not always the best form
for ideas to take flight, it may well be
the only winged thing worth weight.

Even so, a word is the dollar bill
of notion in motion, most common,
capable of being handled
by rich and poor with equal disease.
They too often are false prophets
bearing false profits
and like most other currency
are old, dirty, torn,
and bereft of value.

Inside my head words fare no better.
They for me are poorly heeled
raucous dogs that sniff and huff
at mute Benedictine spirit
and constantly raise a leg for relief
in vast vineyards of mind.

Though unruly and scolded
they bay the moon in coldest starry climes
and howl into the unreflecting night
in protection of my remaining sanity.

So my friends, celebrate well the word
for if well mended they should bear you to your last day;
and if well marked and well tended
shall firmly stand between you
and the relentless dark
thereafter.