I too stole pears
As you say Augustine did
I too was a thief after dark
In the western tradition
That I say this gives me pleasure
For the memories are the truth
They are the power and the glory
To make me as I am, from my youth
With means to fill the whole page
With other ignominious deeds
Also, to mention the monastics
Here, by the river, here, beside the reeds
I too stole life
Has many more had before me
I too was a thief in the park
In the northern tradition
That I say this gives me witness
For the memories are the truth
They are the hope in my truth
To make me, make me as I already am
