What We Have Now

Who was that human who first
began to walk on two legs
as he crossed golden 
African plains? 

Had he known what he has done
with the simple straightening of his back,
with his proud erect posture
deserving of the dignity of a king,
would he have hidden in the tall grass again,
and turned back into an animal?

My left leg is now on the dinner table,
with a cup of water.

The news blares from somewhere
in the house. 

The rebellion in Syria goes on. 

Within the house as the telephone rings
what remains now are debts 
and useless things.