The Tao of Unemployment, By WANDA COLEMAN

things wait until funds are insufficient

then deconstruct in concert

the aura of fear offends management

cultivate false confidence. to pretend one

does not need is to muzzle resistance

in the fractured mirror of public intercourse

care for self beneath all distortions

wisdom is an old wardrobe kept in good repair

hunger is most attractive when gaunt

generosity when opulent. practice the craft of

lean-staying. a skinny soul makes a fat tongue

the profits of love increase

with credit validation

learn to tolerate what one must demean oneself

to do in order to meet one’s obligations

false smile false laugh feigned enthusiasm

sublimate resentment and overlook affronts

to appear natural is mastery

the quiet hand collects

spirit health springs from the reservoir

of self-respect. never forget

who is being fooled

From “Hand Dance” (Black Sparrow Press: $25, cloth; $13, paper; 271 pp.). 1993 by Wanda Coleman. Reprinted by permission.