William Bolcom
Open House
My secrets cry aloud
I have no need for tongue
My heart keeps open house
My doors are widely swung
An epic of the eyes
My love, with no disguise


My truths are all foreknown
This anguish self-revealed
I’m naked to the bone
With nakedness my shield
Myself is what I wear:
I keep the spirit spare


The anger will endure
The deed will speak the truth
In language strict and pure
I stop the lying mouth:
Rage warps my clearest cry
To witless agony