Song of Chameleon

Related Poem Content Details

I have sinned in front of mirrors

But I'll say this

in my defense—

Too scared to face my indecency

the voice with a larynx

big as mangoes too—

I took your voice burnt with tabaco

They say you must first imitate

before your tongue

jagged in novice

can ripen a word

shape it along color

before words being enough

change what's before you

Now

squeezing the bandages of injured history

when they hid your clothing

from the riverbank

slings of leather like slices

stretched along your skin

in the mood of talking drum

you remember only when they

tighten

speak from tension after all

It's time for your dissertation

mirrored cool one more color

on the chameleon's back

Time to play forgive the rainbow

your song of imperfection