SENSES

The embryo is mostly blind. Before
We’re born perhaps we hear. Of course we touch
But gropingly; we have to push and punch
The confining sac, until the magic hour

Then sense explodes: eyes squint and peer; the nose
Inhales odors; tongues begin to taste;
And cheeks feel the warmth of breasts embraced;
Ears are assaulted by self-engendered noise.

Brashly the body rushes to flaunt its receptors,
And merge in the cosmic mutual mass of sensation,
(Aided we trust by some ratiocination).
But time is jealous, and soon the machine ineptly

Proceeds to erode, and sight and sound and all
The rest are forced to abandon the banquet-hall.

(159, September 18, 1994)

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