Two Poems

I. For Rachel, Bill, and Us

I dreamed I was Rachel Dolezal
And everyone forgave me  

I dreamed I was William Barr
Snapped awake by a pang of conscience

I dreamed I was King of Everything
And sprang for a permanent open bar

Where everyone is always
Exactly two drinks in
        Overflowing with love
                And irrational compassion

 

II. For My Friends (with thanks to Mary Oliver and Frank Sinatra)

Nobody wants
Your contrition
Never did
Never will

Nobody wants
Your crucifixion
Never did
Never will

        Give them your one
        wild and precious life
        Play them Fly Me to the Moon
        In just the right tempo

I don’t want
Your negation
Never have
Never will

M. Bogen
Sept. 2020