Job specification

Whatever satisfies the soul
         the truth that the human heart craves
and works toward unceasingly
         prudence decision and courage
freedom justice and equality
         the poet who takes the word
into live regions
         who dispels conceit
who baulks at sheltered fatness
         and unthoughtful ease
a companion to the birth
         and progress of the stars
a mind cohered
         out of tumult and chaos
a live interrogation
         of executive detail
and legislative contempt
         for our common humanity
a voice well nigh capable
         of expressing the inexpressible
life on the line
         for the commune
of brothers and sisters
         and lovers alike

John Lyons