To the single men of the church

who sit singly, as I do, on unkempt 
beds in dingy small rooms among their own 
litter and cast-off clothes; who slump 
against walls watching late-nite TV instead 
of cradling a loved wife in their withered arms, 
or a new child, or a good book—to you I say: 
nothing. Having nothing but my own experience 
to offer advice, I cannot tell you how. I only know 
how you want, and what you want, but 
not where it is, or how to find it. Are you 
bitter, as I am? Smile wanly and sit. Are you 
desperate? Be quiet and calm and say nothing. 
If this is what has brought you here, if you 
want to do more, break out, think again: 
This is all you can do. This is all you have done.