I never was so frank or wise as when
playing Pompey in Measure for Measure.
The ways of women, and men with women,
became clear. I saw law tongued by desire
as lawmakers grew lost in desire’s grip.
Virtue, faith, and wisdom lost all power,
revealed as nothing more than words that slip
from a merciless tongue. For two hours
each night I knew what to say about right
and wrong in a world gone wild with deceit.
I saw the lost, even beyond the lights,
and was at home with them all. Tongue in cheek,
I spoke the truth from deep within my bones,
no longer young and no longer alone.