Ralph Setian: [You are my friend, Lizard]

You are my friend, Lizard --
do not be afraid --
you are mon semblable.
More than any other tiny creature
you are welcome
in this house.
You are my frère d'armes --
between your jaunty saurian jaws
and my harrying human heels
we will decimate
the insect-cohorts.


Libreville: 14-IX-1973

Cahier noir by Ralph Setian, The Corybantic Press, Pasadena, 1975. Reprinted by permission of the author.