the forward-walking people, they
will never have more than two feet.
from never only fools can stray.

the forward-strutting people, they
string left from right and march in beat.
from beatings only humans sway.

the forward-running people, they
will break through down and concrete.
from cracked heads only clay will spray.

the forward-flying people, they
will burn their wings to treat the heat.
from legends only morals pray.

the forward-streaming people, they
will trade the rose for a street.
from gardens only stones stay.

the forward-forward people, they
are all the flagships in this fleet.
what forward-backwards had to say
was slain by words, from "i" to "they".

10.29.98