Noon Walk On The Asylum Lawn

The summer sun ray
shifts through a suspicious tree.
though I walk through a valley of the shadow
It sucks the air
and looks around for me.

The grass speaks
I hear green chanting all day.
I will fear no evil, fear no evil
The blades extend
and reach my way.

The sky breaks.
It sags and breathes upon my face.
in the presence of mine enemies, mine enemies
The world is full of enemies.
There is no safe place.

(from To Bedlam And Part Way Back, 1960)