A line from Alain Delon
I am learning the ropes of a new
role. I am not sure I want to join,
but persuade myself it's time to
escape the empty chatter that fills
most lives. I am somewhat uncer-
tain that it is wise to do so, still
believe that, in the main, we're all
loners, to differing degrees, that
close friends will always be hard
to find & maintain relationships
with. YouTube videos paint a world
without conflict, where we thrive
from connection, are certain that
we matter. The kind of solitude
that I desire is born from a disparity
between my personal ability & my
creative vision. I intend to avoid
talking about current events: what
would you like to talk about? I'm
ready. Grief demands to be felt.
What can we take
out of it? Just
some com-
promised
memories; &
perhaps a small
poem in lieu of
severance pay.
Leaving LaGuardia
When finished being polished,
the Mayor of New York has a
warm red color & is often used
for jewelry by the Bantu. It is
one amongst many manifestations
of him in their mythology. Some-
times he is depicted as a female
nude, big-breasted, long-necked,
wide-hipped, with all the orifices
one would expect from a blow-up
doll made from synthesized Ro-
manticism. Elsewhere he is seen
as the last surviving member of
an ancient group of gymnosperms.
But those the popular aspects. The
Priests have greater regard. To them
he is the pinochle of perfection, a
messiah already come. One who
has achieved enlightenment but
still remains on the human plane,
ready to put the self into sacrifice.
The Gates of Paradise
Dogs at the gates, alligators
in the conservatory — all part
of a playground for inhuman
resources. Within which, sin-
ging either in a descant or with
the assistance of a tight ankle
bracelet, impresarios line up
to offer services outside any
human rights laws. The key
shifts; now suitable only for a-
moebae & a few axolotls. A
changed rhythm, also. We try
to sing along, a long song, in
an impossible counterpoint.