
—David Ignatow: Cento
At the start I must enter a tunnel
Leading into a mystery.
With love and understanding
Nothing is hidden.
How can I regret my life—
I die of my joy in life.
Excited, I understand
It is peace coming to claim you.
I hear wings beating
And I will go
Forgive me Father
Whose language is the wind.
You, write about love.
God knows
I put this on the page to make you listen.
Love, love, love.
Collection: Â Poems, 1934-1969, by David Ignatow
Note: A cento is a collage-like poem composed of verses taken from another author.
Comments on Friendsjournal.org may be used in the Forum of the print magazine and may be edited for length and clarity.