"Kinder than Man" by Althea Davis

And God,

please let the deer

on the highway

get some kind of heaven.

Something with tall soft grass

and sweet reunion.

Let the moths in porch lights

go some place

with a thousand suns,

that taste like sugar

and get swallowed whole.

May the mice

in oil and glue

have forever dry, warm fur

and full bellies.

If I am killed

for simply living,

let death be kinder

than man.

Beth Affolter

[I wish I were her Nubian maid]

(Boy)

I wish I were her Nubian maid,

        her attendant in secret,

                as she brings her a bowl of mandragoras.

It is in her hand,

        while she gives pleasure.

In other words:

she would grant me

        the hue of her whole body.

(Boy)

I wish I were the laundryman

        of my beloved's clothes,

                for even just a month!

I would be strengthened

        by grasping the garments

                that touch her body.

For I would be washing out the moringa oils

        that are in her kerchief.

Then I'd rub my body

        with her castoff garments,

                and she ...

O how I would be in joy and delight,

        my body vigorous!

(Boy)

I wish I were her little signet ring,

        the keeper of her finger!

I would see her love

        each and every day,

And I would steal her heart.

Albert Schnyder