A parcel arrived at the door of my apartment

It contained a number of perfect tee shirts

In a variety of bold and pastel colours

Printed on each was the same message

The Shortness of Life Forbids Us Long Hopes

I cannot really say that I knew of its meaning

All that was asked of me

Was that I wore one on a daily basis

My aunt was comfortable and very kind

It was in certain ways it was a soft velvet prison

But who was I to complain about my confinement

I often walked through the fields of mysterious flowers

Whose perfumes and colours were beyond deep thought

In time I would be allowed to return to the cleansed city

Where I could walk the streets without any fear

Doors and windows would be left wide open

And the beautiful lavender flowers

With their bright yellow faces

Would be able to enjoy the purity

Of the southwest winds