This Is Just To Say

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet and
so cool

by William Carlos Williams

Desert Storm

A would be panther?
a tiger?

you?

Hah!
you
are
not
even
a reptile
(though your tongue will catch flies)

you are a slovenly bullfrog,
a mewling cat
a greasy wide-bellied scampering rat

No,

I see you

Yes,

I can see you

you are yourself
nothing less
and certainly
nothing more

You belong in the sand

and should be trod upon heavily
by tons of camels
until it gets
very
very
dark