The Talkative Woman And The Two-Star General

Some other night

My love

Some other night you say

Of course you're right

Dear general

But before you go away

May I please continue

Just a moment more

Before you close the door

And goodbye

Let's see

Where was I?

Oh yes

I was going on about colors

The different kinds

Of red

Some reds

Are like familiar friends

They spring from the growing earth

They flow with the moon

And tides some reads

Are the badges of brides

And birth

Please

Don't lose patience general

Stay just a little while

I'm merely speaking of colors

Perhaps I'll make you smile

Some reds

Are unnatural enemies

They crawl out of open veins

They creep

And slide from gaping wounds

Like medals of pride

And pain

Some reds are close to purple

Oh my darling

What do I mean?

Please

Don't put on your jacket yet

Some reds are closer to green

Some other night

My love

Some other night you say

Of course you're right

Dear general

You're right to turn away

But you recoiled

Is something soiled?

To stain a sensitive soul

Such as yours

Would never be my goal

But I digress

Where was I?

Oh yes

Back to the subject of colors

Perhaps

If someone tried to wear the red

Of birth and brides

If one could lose his pride

And see the other side

He'd have less need

To spill the rude

The cruel

The crawling

Reds that kill

You'd better put on

Your jacket now

There's beginning to be a chill

Such a silly

Talkative woman am I

Forgive me if you will

For keeping you dear general

Sir

You have a quota to fill

While I carry on

About colors

Purple green and red

The badges of the living

The medals of the dead