poetry as a form of
consolation, but for what?
the audience, once held captive
at the open mike where he MCd,
doesn’t know but listens
politely to his rhythmic tales
of animal pals, Zen lite, and
dating escapades – now,
countless quatrains later, we’re
all tired and ready to move on
intro to graphic design at
the community college – soundtrack
Rumba Catalana, Gipsy Kings,
young teacher quiet and easy on the
eyes – opening up to marvelous
handwork in his classroom, still
using tools, techniques I learned
there – later returned as “client”
with a poetry anthology cover
design project for his classroom
heavy machinery man – he
purchased first a grader then
a dump truck (not sure what
he does with them) – also
engaged in the heavy machinery
of the heart – after sister’s
death, took her young son
into his family – before too
long the boy asked if he
could call him “Dad”
in marketing at the dot
com company but also in
another company – of spiritual seekers
giving voice to collective consciousness
through theatrical expression – rare to
find a person who will openly
mix business context with
an inner quest like that –
admirable although I don’t share
interest in that particular path
on the wall outside her bathroom,
photo enlargement, framed – just
her, black bathing suit, sparkling
blue pool water, position loosely
fetal – reborn from nothing into
ultramarine stardom – her singing
from the rocks lures the public
to complacency, her irresistible appeal
draws people round her fishbowl
where they smile and cheer
poetry personified – if you’re
a poet in Connecticut you know
her – also one person who has
bicycled the length of
the East Coast Greenway on
the “Utter Folly Tour” –
intimidating to attempt to write
a post about her – standing here,
hat in my hands, humble before
her museship, Artemis Rising
he gave me pep talks
promises of recognition and reward –
did I really believe him?
honestly – no, knew he was
taking advantage of my yen,
self-sacrificial on the altar of
that system – he gained reward
and recognition (good pep talker)
I gained? … not sure, I finally
tired of that game