If, as the sun streams in,
and I lay in bed loving my lady
when a tap-tap-tapping hits my window
and a rap-rap-rapping lands on my door,
I would be irritated by the interruption
and angry at the peeping Tom.
So when one morning I heard
a tap-tap-tapping on my window
and a rap-rap-rapping on my door
while whispering sweet love in my lady’s ear,
I was surprised to find the peeping Tom
wearing the dark robes of the state
watching to ensure that we comply.
So I asked: What will you do?
Arrest me for a twisted tongue?
Take us away from our shared pleasure?
Confiscate the condoms and the pills?
Yes to all if the robed one has his way.
We think these things preposterous,
but the state’s dark robes cloak truth,
have struck before, and come not for justice.
So I say to all friends,
close the curtains when you make love.
Do not answer the door.
If you hear a tap-tap-tapping on the window
or a rap-rap-rapping at the door
pull up your pants and throw on a shirt,
run away from the peeping Tom;
Nine dark robes are waiting for you.
-Anthony Signorelli