MIXED FEELINGS

The poets watched

as the leaders left

for a better world

they

led their followers

up the gantry (which --

missing the obvious metaphor --

was flower adorned)

from our point of vantage

we followed the ascent

of their craft

until it disappeared

leaving us (as

always with poets)

with mixed feelings

wishing them

a safe passage

hoping they

had left

nothing behind

that might (unfortunately) remind