Outside the Circle

I am outside the circle of sex. Just as well. Population control,

the biome's survival instinct. Or I'm old. Look

in mirror, skin over bones. Young girls

on bicycles, running, have that granddaughterly smile for me,

all is safe, well. Much is well.

                                         The neighborhood safe,

the nation a non-violent helpmate among nations. Until

food shortages, weather crises, nuclear mischief apply.

Police patrols. I was proud of Massachusetts

voting to decriminalize reefer. Let's go all the way:

free all non-violent offenders from their cells! Force police

out of cruisers to walk the streets and say hello.

What else can we try:

                                Open the border with Mexico. Let labor

flow like capital.

                        What has this to do with the self,

the temperamental, fragile self. The one that leaves no footprint

in eternity. No smell.