by Ted Guhl

Vanity

flicker from an eye
reflected in the mirror
timeless illusion

Gluttony

eager eye praying
piously for abundance
before the feast

Lust

on the tree‘s leaf
a hungry fat worm chewing
catches the crow’s eye

Jealousy

teeth of the mongrel
worn yellow from chewing
displayed in anger

Arrogance

with a smile the cutomer
asks what the beggar outside
the window looks at

False Witness

following the moon
down the shadowy forest path
a child’s laugh grows dim

Desire

flesh of ripe orange
glistens sweetly, pungent;
mouths suffers wetly.