Since a temperate zone
in heaven was no more.
I wanted to lift
the poor and ignorant soul
To feed and clothe it,
to give it eyes and ears.
I led it away
from hunger, cold and terror
Helping it to climb,
to trust my choice of freedom.
But when I let go,
the peak opened with wide jaws
For the slip, the fall—
and I grabbed the soul, and ran.
What shall I be,
I asked of Tarot cards and stars
That I might live
as fits my tastes, beliefs and cares?