The muse taps me on the shoulder
Begging me to write
Write what? I ask in confusion

I get no answer.
For I know what needs to be written
I just do not know the words

Why does the muse becon me to write?
It does not communicate
What needs to be said properly

There are no words which can express
What needs to be written
What I am compelled to find a way to write

The poet is for once at a loss for words
At the time when they most matter.

           -- Bem Jones-Bey    1.15.99