SOFTLY

SOFTLY
(for Emily
Maitlis)

speak softly
when talking
truth to
power

walk
circuitously
and carry a small
yet not
too insignificant stick

above all
addressing
the voice that
        must
never
be addressed

don’t go for it
call
    sign
    Maverick
like a
shrieking naval jet
on a strafing run

however much
after-action satisfaction
however
      much top dollar

sheer
        redemptive fun

TUNE

TUNE

looked in
your eyes

your light
is out

you have
no power

easy to
    puppet you
in the dark

pull the strings
you never
realized
you had

get you walking
this way
            that

and, above all:
          dancing
humming
  their tune

(surprised to
hear you
so
  in tune)