Common Betrayal

by Forrest Hamer

In another poem, I was afraid
Of becoming a woman.

I know now we are always becoming something else.

How brief is a seeming thing! Quickly
We are gone,

Making poems that stay behind
Waving at us

And waving us on.

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Forrest Hamer (ZYZZYVA 34, 47/48) is a psychologist who lives in Oakland. His most recent book is Middle Ear (Roundhouse Press, Berkeley). He notes: “The title of this poem is taken from The Book of Common Betrayals by Lynne Knight (Bear Star Press, Cohasset, CA). E-mail: forrest.hamer@sbcglobal.net

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