FIRST PERSON PLURAL
R. N. TABER
Photos on the sideboard,
paintings on the wall,
picture postcards on
the bookcase likely to hit
the floor if someone
opens the door;
So the door stays shut,
to keeping strangers out
while friendly faces debate
human rights, pollution,
nature conservation,
planetary salvation;
education, discrimination
at work and on
the street;
safer sex, drugs, crime
prevention, making
ends meet;
Clamour of voices kicking
the soul, like a football
across the room;
Conscience, a kindly ghost
looking on only butting
in now and then;
Questions, answers, lies,
half-lies, home truths'
like moths to a light;
Please, someone, open
the damn door - and
let us out
