The dark man wearing a black shirt

The dark man wearing a black shirt
MARCH 2000

I wanted to ask him
Whether or not he prefers
To write essays, poetry, and
Fiction

But I dare not
While he continues to open
The pages of newspapers and magazines

I, too, wanted to make friends with him.
Together we will read the newspapers and magazines
But, I dare not. I prefer to write essays, poetry and
Fiction

The black shirt he wore
Was my favorite. I haven’t
Wore it now because the
Closet was locked.