I want to live
said the old woman
like a flame in flight
sky cloudless visibility unlimited
looking down from a United
Airlines window gin and tonic in hand
at the green and golden graphics of agribusiness wheat
the action painting of the Rockies the Cartier bling
of a nocturnal city 
knowing what I know
what everybody knows
about my country
the leeches
the worms
look I can still shed sparks
of pride at its unsurpassed beauty

I want to live
a life of passion
said the dark red tulip
you see how hot how velvety I am
come a little closer
do not close your eyes
in fear
of the moisture
in the depths of my well
do not casually turn away
here I am in the suburbs
not going anywhere but
look at me
I’m a flame too
and I will perish
like a flame

I want to live
where I can have it all
said the dog and that means
the Big Apple the stimulating
street life the nose-
enhancing fragrances
does it surprise yo to know
my favorite is snow
though I also like
being able to scratch in the dirt
and having people
ask my owner
my name
it flatters my vanity
and does good things
for my owner’s social life