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[from January 19, 2000]
Resolution
Some things, inevitably, grow
in the stagnant pool.
This year, at last,
I will categorize them all.
* * * *
[from August 18, 1999]
Second Childhood
It's been too long
since, berry mouthed,
juice fingered,
I took the sun as blood
and, ignoring flesh wounds,
let the cars whizz by my back
without flinching.
* * * *
Oh Rose, Thou art Sick!
one warped flower
explodes down from its stem
decimates gardens
* * * *
[from May 19, 1999:]
I'd like to tear it with my teeth
Some day, life.
Such an abstract,
but to taste it would be
to make it palpable.
Perhaps best to take small bites,
struggle to pull them loose,
to masticate,
suck out the juices,
swallow the fiber to cleanse.
And when finally I am full,
I'll sleep soundly.
For now,
a fig with a center
of goat's cheese and mint.
* * * *
[from April 21, 1999]
I Need a Grant
"We need to cut your hours,"
they said, eyes darting about,
or so I assume, since mine
were on my feet.
"So now I need a job,"
I thought, mind racing around,
stomach full of ooze,
hands cold and damp.
And the shuffle begins.
"Let me be your wage-slave,"
I say, to my reflection
in rehearsal, with a smile,
eyes firmly forward.
"I'd rather be a monk,"
I believe, stomach growling,
rent coming due, bills out,
calculator crying.
****
[from March 17, 1999:]
Potato
Smear in the butter
then flake out tender center
small nibbles, big bites,
hot and hearty and salty.
Just like sex with a sailor.
[from January 20, 1999:]
* * * *
To Rich, in Jailtape it to the wall by your bunk
and look at it when you're feeling strong.
See, the grass in the background
the sky was already growing dark
it had rained.
the child in your arms has chili
smeared all around his mouth
and a look of comfort and contentment.
He has your eyes.
* * * * [from December 16, 1998:] cracked pepper biscuits
woven wheat squares
little cheese pillows
tiny fishes swim in my mouth.
I bite down.
They bite back.
I am in love.
It is the crunch of
tensions waylaid
the salt of forgetfulness,
the piquant reminder
that life is both beautiful
and fatteningly so.
I offer my hips
to the baker;
unleavened, but
full and toothsome.
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