5 Poems, All Related
A Rant from the Pulpit My crazy aunt, a denigrated mind, I went to her house for mutton and tea She smiles, “I keep my windows dirty So that they cannot pretend to see Air, the birds who would dare suicide The Burial of the Hatchet Filthy windows for the sake of the birds Scraps on the floor for the sake of the dogs For the sake of the demons, filthy words A mud-floor life for the sake of the hogs. Death by Unimportance The philosopher is stricken, Feeder of a metaphysical managerie, King, teacher, lawman, parent: It is only the priest who lifts his staff, Pats his sheep, winks, and does not despair. Sybil Needs The Needle Suddenly, I crush these fantasies, for my aunt Has ceased speaking. On my way out the door, She says, “Oh, If you see Mrs. Filibuster, Tell her I bring my own private meanings. One must be so careful these days.” A Situation and a Lady One sweltering afternoon I remember, As the sun grew red, swollen, bright red Like a blister on the heel of God, Sore from stomping on the ungrateful We waited for a darker and quieter setting. Then, you rose and stood perfectly Against the horizon, as I had asked you, Desiring an image, desiring a beautiful thought. All silhouette, you were like a violin Set against the sharp, grey chin of the world The horizon rose, rose, rose with a flourish From below, rose by the sinking light, lifted like a grand bow.