SLEIGHTWORK

BELLELETTERS

W.NICKHILL

ii

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CREDITS

Cover:DayoftheDead,2017PhotobyW.N.Hill

FirstEdition2018

APricklyBookArtworkbyBLA

ForBarbara,whobringsthelight

“AnancientBuddhasaid:Apaintedricecakedoesnotsatisfyhunger. Dogencomments:Therearefewwhohaveeverseenthis‘paintingofaricecake’andnoneofthemhasthoroughlyunderstoodit.Thepaintsforpaintingricecakesarethesameasthoseusedforpaintingmountainsandwaters. Ifyousaythepaintingisnotreal,thenthematerial,phenomenalworldisnotreal... Unsurpassedenlightenmentisapainting.Theentirephenomenaluniverseandtheemptyskyarenothingbutapainting.Sincethisisso,thereisnoremedyforsatisfyinghungerotherthanapaintedricecake.Withoutpaintedhungeryouneverbecomeatrueperson.” Here,inthemidstofthisdreamedsleight-of-hand,whatcouldever/tanglemeintheworld’stetherofdust? T’aoCh’ien

iv

Acknowledgments

ToGaryLemonsandtoBarbaraArnn,undyinggratitude.Andtomychildren,NicoleandAndrew,andtheirchildrenwhocouldbeany

futurereaders.AndtoJavierF.Campos,NancyNewman,toCaroline,offinthedistance,toDaveCusic,myoldestfriend,andDavidDraperClark,amiddle-agedone,andKurtHackbarth,holdingaplaceinOaxaca,evenyounger,withNidia,mythanksforbeingthere.

CONTENTS

Dedication iiiAcknowledgments ivContents vNOTICE 1FootnoteoftheMoment 2ThePractyce 3PreambletoMyPlea5APopularizer’sConfession 7TaketheSubjunctive 8Here 10LanguageontheMind 12AManualforSleightsofHand 15SubtitledinaForeignTongue 17SurvivalistSonnetI 19Manualography 20ThePastLooms 24TheWall 26CrookedIstheNewStraight 27Cartouche 28DeepInsideaProustianSentence 30Anti-Ecclogue 32BigO’Tree 34Masculinism 35AnEarlyHistoryofStyle 37TheRootofaSmile 39OntheMountainTop 41IHadToClimbtheStairs 43SingingtotheRainGod 45ComfortZone 48TheWaywardMoon 50Personhood 52TitlesAndEndings 53

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TheFaceofOurFears 55FrontierSchooling 57VignettesoftheFauna@MorroBay 58InFreedonia 59Arboretum 61elemental 62BreaktheWhiteSurface 63TheInvisibleCage 65SheWhoGoesBefore 67AfterParticleFever 69Post-TangDynasty 70SurvivalistSonnet3 72MycologicalCare 73ThoseGodlessWretches 74TheNeo-naturalistofChimacum 76SurvivalistSonnet4 77TeaintheInnerGarden 78HorsesMidstream 79Neo-eager 80interest theethou 81InMemoriam 83AfterHyde’sTheGift 84SurvivalistSutra 85AbouttheAuthor 87

1

NOTICEIliveinadesertatthemouthofamine.TherocksandgeodesIleaveoutonthesand.IfsomethingfitsyourhandGoaheadwithit.

2

FootnoteoftheMomentThepackagearrivesandweopenit.InsidethetissuewrappingsitsabeetleFrozeninamberasitthenambledAlongapathfromtheretohere,ItsentireessenceandbeingCaughtinaviscousmomentOfencounterwiththeunknown,PineresinpooledatthecharredbaseOftheforestthatgracedhillsOurancestorsrevered,Peopleunrecognizedincollectivememory,ThatcompendiumofsixquestionsToknowwhoyouare,orHowtoknowyou’vearrivedWhenyou’reonlyfollowingthewayIntothispresentconsciousness?ThenyoumusthavealwaysarrivedInyourtissuebedcaughtinthematterOfeverythingyoucanlearntoconsidersacred,Abeetleonadoorstep.

3

ThePractyce forBillMawhinneyItrytograbfragmuntsFromtheair,flutterbyesWithdesygnslikemessoges.Beautifulenough,blackandtanWhurlswithreddottsTodispelanyanxiusProbeingintomeaning.TheymeanonlytofulfilAlifecycleoftheirkind,BitsofrealitythatcoloresMorningsanddarkensmidnights.ThesymbolswherlinairLikefragmintsofaMagnaCartaDraunupbetweencaveduellersAndgrotokeepurs,andalltheirproleDanceMaypolesandgrabatairBecausetheylookdalloverAndfoundcomelysmoothstoensTopileinheepsatthecentreOfapathelinedwithspeciminsThathummedifyouputyourearTothemwhopleasedtheinnerMekanism,promptedthemTocirclesuponcircles,Tillapilgrumcamedizzyatcenter,Hadtoleanagainstthecentralcairn,

4

FindbalanceagaintowalkoutSlowlyenoughtomakeupFragmuntsofrawmining.

5

PreambletoMyPleaInventionstandsattheotherendOfalinedrawnstraightfromif,Contrarytothefactofloam.RecognizeafaintpressureThemyrtleexertsonthefloweringshrubPushingthebranchesoutoftheirtwigstructures,Soaworkerintervenestofashionwoodandleaf,Sculptinginthesoftbetween.Itisnotenoughtorecognizethis.CultivatethepatienceTomarvelatvarmints,TheothersideofpleasureAgardencansharewithThepaganswhodestroyit.IfeellikeSisyphuswithawadOfwordslaboredovertilltheytipupOntotheledgefromwhereTheyunraveltothebottomThebannerthatreadsAGAIN.TheonewhosaysIthatisnotmeAppreciatesthemeaningofsmallgiftsLikespitballsonthescreenofconsciousness.Theyserveasaframework,Theviewingpavilion,Themapamundiofif.

6

BeentrancedbypossibilitiesAtelescoperevealsofthegirthOfblackholesthatlieaboutourfeet.

7

APopularizer’sConfessionIstandandlistentothewaterstream&dripthroughthecoffeefilterfornothingmorethanthedarkbitterbeginningofdays.Itrytoboilthemdown,allthepaperslaidoutbeforemewhenI’mactuallynotjustcopyingonephraseafteranotherbutinventingminiatures theimpossiblewaytheClematis jackmaniiweavesitstendrils inwithMadameAlfredC. insummerbecauseinwinter thethinarmsbarelyreveal themselvesagainstthecedar trellisweatheredalmostgray, likehennaonthehandofanoldfriend standingclosetothebrook thatdripsintothecupofmemoryofcourseitoverflows&carriesawaythebridgeontheClearwater.NomorninggloriesattheSilverSpoonCafétogowiththeusualthismorning.Assimpleassippingthedarkhotcomplexityfromthecupofnebulae.

8

TaketheSubjunctiveIt’slyinginthesyntax,amareofdustycolor,Afterasubordination,asonedangles,dependsOnthefirst,thoughitcouldcomelast,YetitcarriesthepayloadandthedependentclauseWillonlywhipthattruthintoshape,Whateveritmaybe.Itissubtle,morefordiplomacyAsinfactwholeutterancesCouldhangfromanunspokenDeclarationasincertaintheaterOrprotestationstothecontrary,WhenfoundwithyourleggingsdownAroundtheturnstileofcertainty.Itsespeciallyshywhentime’safactor,Whenit’sfloatingaboutInfutureplansallinyourownheadAndyousaywithconviction“Iwillarrive”AsopposedtothetimefirmlyestablishedBychronometersandsuch,manifestedInthefullstop“Venividivici.”WhichfrequentlyovertheyearsHasbeenknownafterCaesar,Inourtimes,Hitler,buthewasWotan,WhereastheunpronounceableDresseslikeLoki.That’s“lowkey,”asinthephrase:IfweweretochooseapilottotakeTheshipdownintoDavy’slocker,Wouldhebeagolden-hairedboy?

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LessthanhalfsaidYes,whichdoesLeaveadoubtdanglingAbouttheutteranceofmeaning.

10

Here foryouIwanttobaskintheglowofmyaccomplishmentswhichhavebeenmanyifweincludemyfailures,likethetimebeforeagroupofeagerCatholicsIcouldn’trememberthenamesofthecharactersinmyownstory.Howtheprotagonistlosthiswayinthetrainstation,sawthestarsabove,tookabusintheotherdirection,foundworkloggingPaul’sbunions,cametoknowaburlygirlwithgreeneyes,andnowlivesjustdownthestreetfromwherehecouldhavebeeninthefirstplace.SoI’vesetuphereinthisshopwithallmyverbsinpintjarsscrewedtothewallalongwithwashers,bolts,nuts,andsink.Syntaxleansagainstthepegboardwheretheprepositionshangrightnexttoadjectiveslikeshimmery.Ihavepowerwordsandspraywashers,abenchwithaviseclampedonitforespeciallyrambunctiousdanglingparticiples.

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EverymorningreligiouslyItakeupmyplaceherehoveringoverapagewithmytrustymechanicalpencilpoisedtopiercethecarapaceandthusclaimformystorythephenomenonjustpassed,thescintillating,thenonpareilsagegumdropformybestfriend.Enjoy!

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LanguageontheMind1.Monoglot,soundslikeadreaddisease. Whattodowiththeghosts,forinstance,Theygoroamingallovertheplace,Unquiet,theycalloutforjusticeInthewearyvoicesoftheirupbringing.Allwhitetheyare,asthoughwearingsheetsOverpointyheads,theymoanIntoxicatedwiththeirownbile,MakesathingreenedgeonthebottomhemOftheirsheetsthatcanblowupAllaroundthemleavingViewsoftheirinnermechanism,GarbagethrowndownaravineOnthebordertheypatrolforThey’vebeentoldthatghostsWouldwanttogetoverthere.Badgesontheirhabits,LittleinsigniasofwheretheyfirstKilledbesidetheroadsomebrowneyedsNexttoachollathatswallowstheBloodthatwon’tstopflowing,AmemorybanishedbackthenTothepresentandithaunts,Puffsoutthesheetsinblusters.

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ItdoeshavetobebettersomewhereElsebecausethere’snosittinginoneplace,AsifhotcoalswereunderwheretheirFeetwouldbeexceptthey’vegotnone--AwaytotellthemapartfromthequietDead,thestonesthatfromhungerDroppeddown.2.Otherbadges,scarletlettersSayabortionfortheyknowwhoDonetherapingandit’sgoodstock,Solet’scallitdominiontohavethoseBabiescomeintotheworldKnowingtheirplace.AcoupleofthemstandingatacornerWhensomeghostsappearodorsAllaroundthemlikeCAFOs,ThesewerehomelessghoststhatrobbedThemeventhoughthey’dbeenToldtheyhadnothing.“Oh,yeah,”thehead-sheetedonesaid“Lookatthis”andhereachedin,Pulledoutthetwistedrootoflonging,ThrewittothegroundandtheyallWatchedasitscurriedAway,aghastbyanyothername.

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Astheywereatacrossroads,TheguitarplayersittingonarockPointedNorth,wheretheytrudged,GladtobetoldwhattodoAndwheretogo.

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AManualforSleightsofHandMypreferencehasbeentechnicalmagic.Behindthecurtainstuff,underthetable,Behindtheback,insmokyrooms,Theswitch,thedoubleback,thesnatch.HowtoknowwhatsomeoneisthinkingWasmyonlinebusinessforatime.Itookthedatafromshoppingsurveys,Cruncheditinthespecialalgorithmmachine,Andtoldthespendertoputitonalldevices,Collectedthebitcoin.Onestillmusthonortradition,regardless.Maceandchain,pre-Merlin,gavewaytoanOrganicmanagementofspellsbyhoodedadepts.Thewholedetourinthe18-19thwithmonstersClompingaround,vampires,andtheculminationIngiantapesabletodevolveintoSuperHeroesLikethewimpnextdoorwhocandoabitOftheflyonthewall.MytrainingLedmetoworkelections.IcouldremotelymakealegislatureIntoagangofthieves,zealots,andbigotsBymanipulatingthedrinkingwaterSoConstituentsbecamepawnsinmyfieldOfexpertiseandtheyvotedtheirpocketBooksjustthewayItoldthemto.Mylatesteffortmadeitcleartome,atleast,Thatitwastimetowithdraw,todisappear,RetiretoSouthAmerica.Myownmagicwasgoingtomakeme

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Intoadovefromahawk;ImeanTheblown-hairedmenaceThatmoveseasilyfromthelinksToovalrooms,that’sjustbadmagic.

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SubtitledinaForeignTongueIdonothaveanythingmoretoaddAndyetthereitisbelyingalreadyAcouplelinesintoit.AnancientChinesetellsofasimilarplightFromwhatIgatheredintranslation.ThereisnohopeButspellingoutthepresentOverandoveragainTillyoudieandthentheyquoteyou,Him,probablynotme.Couldn’thavebeeninthatthen,Onlytheneedislike.Pushpastthatsensethere’snomoreAndyoumightcomeawaylimping.ButthewishofcourseTobreakthroughTothesweetcoreOrbreakoutIntoajungleadventureJusttogettoanotherlevelWherewhatyouhavetosaySointonestheecstaticfiberOfthestellarfabricThatyoustarinplace.You,probablynotme.I’mjustapencilpusher,

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TheguywiththetickInhiswrist,can’tshakeitEventhoughIwasn’tbornWithit,justmadeitupWhenIwasaclown.Icouldn’tgetthenoseoff,Andthebigbrown-toedFloppyshoesbegantofitmygaitInthatwobblyneighborhoodWhereIcouldsitonabenchAndwatchpassersbytossCoinsinmyhorn.

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SurvivalistSonnetIThebigone’sover,comeandgonethere’snothingleft,we’rebereft,nopropanetanks,nohighwaycones,noheritageremainsherewithtomakewithcheertheselittlesongs,allwecantocobblesonnetswithwhatwehaveathand,sometongs,liketotaldestructionaftersunset,yettheyhelpdispelthedreadswhenwesingthemfromthecrumbledporchinunison,allusneighborshereonlevelground.Let’sstartfromscratch,onlythreadstofollowwithflickeringtorches,walkforward,letourhopesabound.

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Manualography1.TheManualsometimessitsfordaysEvenweeksatatimenotticking.Itcouldbesaidtobeloyal,Standsquietonshelves,Onlypartofitondisplay,Holdsupothersofitskind,Nexttophotosofchildren,Fewpicturesofitsown.OnceweallgotintoanargumentAboutsleepinginoronaredreclinerSoapersonshouldbeabletogetintoThecoversoftheManualwhosecolors’IndeterminatebecauseitoftenhasAjacketon,especiallywhenitsnew.I’vehearditsaidthatsomeoneReallygotoutofatinyboatflounderingInhugewavesintheNewWorld,ButnottheManual,alwaysflatopen,Well,notalwaysbecausethatseemsforeverAndmodernonesdon’tseemtolastthatlong.

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2.ThisManualcouldfitinaKindleAndmaybethat’showitshouldgointospace.However,ifyou’vegotyourfeetonthegroundYou’llwantthisManualinyourhands.There’snoguaranteesbutit’llbethereforyouWhenit’sunderstoodyouneedtogetsomethingOutofit.TheManualrepeatssomethingsoverandoverLikerecitingtheloveanthemofrainbows.Anddoesn’tevenmentionhowthejellyOozesoutofpoliticianswiththeirfingersIntheairbeforeapodiumfulloftheexcrementOflargetalkingmammals.TheManualwon’tdoanythingit’stold.It’ssofullofitselfbutyoucandiveintoitAnytimeofdayornightandcomeupWithamouthfulofwhatsmoresandneverminds.AndeventhoughIcan’tgiveitanythingExceptopenandshut,itnevertires.IttellsmesomethingeverytimeIlookintoit.IlovetheManualandIthinkitlovesme.

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3.TheManualhasadarkside.Thingsitcoversupwithoutintention.HastodowithrelativitywhereitsbulkliesOrstandstocastadarknessBecausethereisonlyonesourceInthispartoftotality.It’sevenhardtosay.Sometimesyouhavetoputitdown,Outofsight,cleartheair,Startagain.EventhedarksideoftheManualHasteachingslikeX-raysOfadandelionwhichseemsTobeaChinesebeautybesideThesparklingstreaminthe”Odes.”ThisishardtofollowLikeamallardpaddlingbackwardsInthereedylittlepondintheleeOfSt.Herman’sgoldspiredomeOrtherelativelyhomelessdudeSmokingacigaretteintheparkClosetotheplasticlooWherehisparamour’sMakingorigamiWiththetoiletpaperProvidedbythecity.Theotterscomeuponthebeach,Scratchthesandamongthecliff-Droppedlogs,theearthshakesjustabit,Andtheyreturntothekelpforest.

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Ontheotherside,anuclearsubInthelittlebaydumpsitstickingshit.That’swhytheshorebirdsAlllooklikegullsandscreamAttheclamsthatsquirtoutAtlowtidewhentheseaweedstinks.InthedarkofthebookTreescometolifeinflames,Theirsilhouettesshimmer,Quakingaspen,ordriplikewillows.InancienttimestheseimagesWouldbelight,clear,andsoftLikesilkoverabalustradeShiftinginthebreeze.Inthesetimeswecrossedaline&nowtheshit’saflameonthefrontporch.TheManual,ablackboxofsecretsBigasnightwhispersInawindstorm:ScribbleSignsonthewallsofthesecanyonsWherehorsesruntomarkThesandstonewithourpresenceBecauseourheartopenstotheskyAsifwewerebornofshaleAndhumbledirtthatholdsusAndourcornupright.Kernelslikeanswers.

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ThePastLoomsAbigpittofallbackintoOnlydippingToesintoit,hotandcoldTogether,boundtoaLevelofcomfortThatis,nottoofarbackOranescape,That’swhat’sallowedInHistorybooks.Tofallallthewayback --what’smeantbybackward--WhereyounevercomebackfromThat’sbigfear.ThepastishellKeepoutofitThat’swhattheysayOnthebackporchBeforethelightgoesAndthelightningbugsTheycanseeinthedarkBetweenthecicadasAndthenightsounds,Traininthedistance,ThenewdaylurkingBehindthecurtainsThatbillowabitInthemuggycool

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Theydon’tcaretoknowWhatcan’tbedoneAboutthatblaringCoveredoverbyshadesWhenthelightgoesSofastnobulletCancatchitBeforeitfadesagainThefuturehasnohandlesNoblockadewillholdbackThatdogofsunpullingOntheleash.SomeboysinMexicoLaidarockdownOnthetrackandYou’dliketothinkArosecameoutofThewreckage,thesweetPrickoftimederailedEnoughtoclearthetrackagainButitwasthepastOnitssidesteamingThroughitssteelribsEscapingintoairBackthereinthemurk.

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TheWallAbarriersomysteriousithasmanynames.Arazor-thinedgebetweenmeandmyimageofyouThatsoftlimbsthrustthroughsoinsistentlyWegooutofourmindintotherealmThatwasmeanttosparkleinthevastness.AreminderwecanbringintothesocietyofsavagesAsoftlittleplaythingthatmightgrowintooneWhodrawsmagicalemblemsonthewallsAndrailroadcarswestofhere.OnewhocantakeyourhandandguideyouTothechairwherethestorycanbeheardAboutbordersnotmeanttobeguardedButenteredintoliketrustedneighborsCometovisitonahotafternoon.ThosewhofearthelossoflightfromdeepIntheuniverseunlessitshinesonlyonthem,Thosewhostepontoes,spitinyoureye,Shoveyouaside,callyouBiblicalnames.ThosearenowtheteachersofcivicsInthecorruptionofdreamsAttheschoolofyourchoice.

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CrookedIstheNewStraightOndayswhenthere’snoletterintheboxforme,Ipressonregardless,yetsomething’sawry.Theorangecatsitsfunny,thesunlooksbulbous,Ihearnomusic,theskyappearsstrained,Friendscallunderground,itallseemstoonormal.There’snomanufacturingamouthtoutterAnythingworthknowing,exceptforthesoftdrones,ofcourse.I’mgoingtotakethisarrayofnonsenseAsasignforhowtobegindifferentlyWhenthecopsgetheretocheckmyauthenticitytag.I’maforeignaliensentherewithpapersallblankAndstacksofcurrencyfromanothertime.Theycan’tfigureoutwheretodeportmeBecausethey’recluelessaboutorigins.I’vetold‘embeforeitwashere,whereelse?Theyclaimtomisunderstand,evenwhenIwriteitoutonawindshieldintherainWithmybackarchedbackoverthehood.“Thebearerofthisdeviceistheorphanofaroyalfamily.Givehimabreak”.Theystilldon’tgetit.Breakmyfingers,breakskullsallaroundme.They’reveryliteral.It’sunpresidented.

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CartoucheWasthenameforavialTocarrypoisoniftheylearnedYourtrueidentity,andyouneededToendyourselfquicklyToavoidthefirelicksallthewayUptothescalpofflame.NothardtofathomthenThatitalsobecamethewordForatomb,thenarrowkindThatslidesintoNeapolitannichesOfthincadaversonthemainland.Languagecrossedbodiesofwater,Likeonraftsofredants,Changedasonlystringsofsyllablescan,CametobethecartridgeloadedWithenoughtopoweraleadtrajectoryIntoanenemy’slivingzoneswitch.ConsequentlythebeltthatcrisscrossedAnuprisenhuarache-cladagavecutter’storsoAnddisplayedapersonalarsenalofcartuchosTofireatthedeniersofnativeburialrightsOnvastcommendedestateswascalledcananas --Soundslikebananas--Butmorefullofmortificationthanpotassium.SothespeechthatmostclarifieshowthedigitalPost-modernagebecameamedievalfairwithliveOgresatfeastinRudimentaryCastleslustingForyoungobjectsofdesirehasbeenpreemptedbyitches.

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TheMarxiandiscourseisn’twrong,Onlyanachronistic.Thediatribebesidetheguillotineistimelynow.First,targetthepopulistpoorWhocarrythedog-leggedsatrapOntheirshouldersTowardstherallyHetaxedthemsurreptiouslyTopayforitwith.Oncetheyhavebeenneutralized,MassesofliberalswithpitchforksCancommuneoverthecampaignTostormtheboardrooms,DragthenauseouslyrichcaptainsoutOntotheEnterpriseopendeck,PushthemoffintothedeepAlltiedtogetherlikeabundleOfcoinwrappersadriftIntothesparklingcosmos.

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DeepInsideaProustianSentenceDeepinsideaProustiansentence,Aflyonthewallofhaughtysalons,(Anovelisticvoyeur)laughsupasleeveAtdirtyjokesfootmenexchangeatthedoor.Yourwrist,sothin,ThewandofafairygodmotherWavesoveramaladyinthepunchline,DoesproduceatoadofaducThejokesbuttagainst.ThefraternalandsororialorderofpoetsPullsawayinaswan-encrustedbarkFulloflutesandsacbutsTobegintheannualfêtesurlelacInthemauditsub-community.CynicismrunsrampantAmongmissionariesoffreetradeWhoseethebottom-lineastheprincipalTropeformonopolyinthe3-DversionResurrectedsincelesneigesd'antan.AfairdamselalsogoodatbakingbunsHasbecomebedridden.WherewouldshegoAnywaythesedaysontheisleofloveWherelittlepoetslayaroundinthegrassTheirtabletsandsocialmedias?WherestandupsmakefunofabortionAndthesuicidaldecision,WhereasocietyhasgoneviralforCelebratingthemoderneditionOfgallowshumoracrosstheboard

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OnelectronicdevicespoweredupForthatjoltofsurprise.LookdownatthelogacrossthegravelAllgnarledandbeigeandbrown.Howbanaldeathonyourownblock.

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Anti-EcclogueWhenyou’vebentryingtogetsomethingoutForsuchalongtyme,itcanfreezeinyourmouth,Becomeaboulder,lodgeinyourgullet,Makeakneeleroutofyourself,preciousselfThatsitsonitslittlethronewithin.Maybeyoudohavetogotoabuoldershrinker,Toagulletbustre,arockpuoller,alargestoneextracter,Otherwiseitcoulddropdown,Killoffthewholeegoofthething.Yetitisnolongeryouthatfardown.Anarchetypeofthefoolinthedarkcorridorsoftheboneshop,MimingitswaytowardthepoxaftersomeblackrobesfelldownthruThecracksabovethetruthherebelow.Ananti-eccloguetohonorthewishthatpersistsTomakemusicforaworldthatshouldhaveseenitselfbynowInthemirrorsaboundingandthusfathomThatthetoolsoftraditionhavebeenmeltedintopixelsThatdoen’tevenmesureonthefaceoftime,Ratherclickoverinthebacklitdisplay.Soon,whenthecurruntgoes,batteryeswilllightThewaytoretro-guildsofspringwinders,AllthewaybacktostudentsofthesunWhoplacedastickinthegroundetotellthemWensiestaandwentogobacktoworkontheballad

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OftheshepherdersinthehillsonthemoonofMars,Theplanesofpotatohes,theperlsofdoo,FromtheNazcalineswheretheshipsfurstlandidTotheferventpreyzeofyurbewty.

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BigO’TreeBigO’treeInthebackyardStandingtheresinceWhoknowswhen.UglyoldthingThat’sgottoobigTodoanythingabout.SowehavetoletitbeTillitdiesout.Thatdaywe’lltakeitdownCarefulsothegnarlywoodHurtsnooneinitsfallAndwe’llburnthelogsAndwatchthemeanlittleflamesGiveupthatdingysmokeComesfromembersBrightwithrelease.AndtheeaseofashesGonebacktocleansethedirt.BigO’TreeWerememberyouhereLikeawhite-hairedcolonelLickinghisfingers.

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MasculinismYoufindyourselfinaroomWithabunchofotherslikeyou.It’sapleasantroomwithsafetybarsOnthewindowsandbeige-coloredCurtainsonspring-greenwalls.AfterawhiletherewillbealwaysAcoupleofguyswhocan’tsitstill,Whopacetheroom,Tapontheglass,Askyoutoagreesomething’sgottobedone,Andtheystarttotellyoushittodo.Thesetwoguys,andacouplemoreHemingandhawingbehindthem,Tellyoutocleanthefloor,theglass.Thentheyhaveachangeofheart.CommencetobepoliteandaskWouldyoupileupthoseblankets.Oh,look,somemothholesin‘em.Somebodytomendthem,please.Sooncoffee’saconcessionAndmusic,soyouneedtobuyApairofheadphones,thebestYoucan‘causeyourmusicSoundsheavenly,likeachorusWelcomingyoutoeternallove

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Andthat’syourcapitalism,SaidBerta,theTrotskyiteInNorwalkwhereshekeptAsplendiferousgarden,Twolittlemuff-ballcatsAndastackofInTheseTimes,WhichmadehersmokeevenharderOverthemistakesoftheenlightenedleftTobringeconomicjusticetotheglobeAsshegazedoutattheastilbeAndhostasglowingintheirbeds.

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AnEarlyHistoryofStyleThecavemouthsoundsInalldirectionsTothelistenerinloinclothAndgrease.Itbeganwithcollectingriverrocks.TheysatinapileoverthereTillweknewwhattodo.ThereweresomewhostrappedthemToclubs,it’strue.WeweretheonesWhostackedthemincairnsAndsentgoodvibrationsandHeartfeltmessagesintothesky.TheclubbersgaveusleftoversFromthelastmastodon.We’resupposedtosingthemsongsAndtellstoriestomakethemlaughandcryInexchange.TheyhavesometimesalllineduptogetherInwhattheycallMyKingdomAndtheyrankeachotherinphalanxes.Wehavetogoalong,nottheirprisoners,Exactly.

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Wedoforthemandtheydoforus.Butit’snotsustainable,weallknowit.SoweinventedthetwostepTogetthroughitwithstyle.OneTwoOneTwo.

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TheRootofaSmileTherootofasmileyou’dhavetosayifsomeonewantedtoknowwhattasteslikeroastedShangri-laswithalittlesaltoftheearthorhangingwithFritz’incrowdtillyouhadtothrowyoursockatthem.BetteryettheroundedpleasureknowingI’vepulledtheknitcapdownoveryoureyesonceagainhereinthehallwaybeforecracklingsnowonthefrontporchunderthedimyellowbulbonourwayovertoskateontheriverlinedwithdark,bulkytreeswhokeeptheirdistance.Itallseemsliketreasurehuntingatsunsetinthegardenyourgreatauntfussedover,itsgreenbamboostakesbesidetheshovelsinthetoolshedbeingofnotmuchconcerntoheruntiltheybecamearrowsinafantasyyouconcoctedasaboyaboutIndiansbeforeteawiththeTimesandtheantimacassarneatbehindher.Findyourselfonyourkneesinthatdarksearchingfortheanswers

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toquestionsofbotany,thewholeplant,rootsandall,Sointhelightavailableyoucanunderstandthatindeedithasnoteeth.

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OntheMountainTopastronautsadriftinspaceonlyasyntheticanchorbetweenoutpostandhome,thecurrentsceneinthesocietalimagination,whoseprojectionsdelightthemostadvancedhumans,howthemonstrouslyskilledandcleverspacetravelerhasgottenintoakindofinescapabletrap:tocomearound,facehimself,inthereflectioninhyperglass,theherowhowillsomehowgetbackhomeonaccountofinnatehumanpowers,asuperbanimalofthegenushomowhohasbecomeafabulistofwaystonotconfessonhiskneessuchambitiontobeGodthatheandshehavegotthenon-humanworldonitskneesbesidethembutrathertodedicatetheirdreams,theirmostpsychicpowerstoprovehe’samanwithherbesidehim,orviceversa,andsomeonewaitsathomewhiletheotherdrifts.Ifyouknewme,You’dtellmetomakeasongofitOrapuppetshowlikeStandinghereatthetop

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WithacoathangerwrappedintinfoilOfferedupashighasIcanreachTotellthemtocomehomesafe.

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IHadToClimbtheStairsIhadtoclimbthestairsTojointheemperoraloneInhischamberexceptForthebabyinhisarms.WehadabrocadeexchangeThememoryofwhichHidesbehindathingauze.MyinabilitytorecallthedetailsSurelynotasimportantasAttendingtotherealityHemadesharpbytossingThebabyhighintheair,EverhigheruntilIsteppedin,AndcaughtthebundleWhichallassumedWasthebabyBuddha.AndIunderstoodtooThatwasthemomenttoGobackdownstairsWiththepackageonlyToencounterthereawoman,Wifetotheroyaltyleftbehind.ShepresidedoveraballroomSoasImovedthroughThedancerstheevilwomanForcedhereye-glassedfaceIntomineandrecitedA“MoonlightSonnet”From7thCenturyChina.

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ItookitinandmarveledatItsclearimagesofthemoon,BrightillusionbeamingOnthedoorstepLikemorningdewonjade.ButevenasIdidsoIknewThebrocadedwomanwanted TotrapmelikeafireflyInanetofversesThoughIpuzzledWasthistoavengemybreachOftheemperor’srighttothrowBabiesintotheaircarelessOfotherlives?Orrather,WasshesimplyazealotWhopassionatelyforcedtextOnmethatIcouldn’ttop?Ittrulywasadifferentregister,Sobeyondme,ItsangariasasifinRomance.Whenyouasknow“Whatwasthatmusic?”Thatwasthedream.

45

SingingtotheRainGodPleasehearthis.Weadoreyou,someofus,Acoupletimesaweek.Canwedobetter?Youmean,Lord,likethreetimes?Andthatwilldoitthen?So,fourwouldbeevenmore,That’swhatI’mhearing,Sir.Fora.01inchdayofdrizzle.AndthesoakingdownpourGoesforhowmuch?You’lldeliverbetweennowandthen,UnlesswepayaspecialpremiumFornextdayair,thunder’sextra.We’lltakeit! Youacceptcards.Great, Wait.Noplastic?! HavetobeWoodennickelssourcedfromtreesGrownsincethelastfullcut?Whataboutfinancingthen?We’vegotsomecollateralDownintheAmazon,Foracarbonswap,right?AnywayGaryhadtoldme“ifyoulookAtathinglongenough,

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AgrainofsandbecomesAcrystalpalace”.Iwantedtobelievehimsobad.LookingwithcaretookovermyeyesAndtheobjectofmygaze:AmudpuddleremainedbrownMyfeetinthebottomwiththepebblesWhilearoundmyheadFlewjoyavoladorahummingbirdsWhosestraightbeakspennedGoldencurlicuesinmyhairAndripefigsdroppedontomypalmTohandouttoallthepassingparadeofneighborsWiththeirdogsplayingontheirleashes,WiththeorangecatwhostaresintoTheirgrowlswiththepatientdemeanorOfawildbiggamehunter.ThenIspiedtheburlybronzeantsExcavatingunderthepatiopavers.TheythrewupmoundsofgrainysandAsiftheywereearth-movingcaterpillarsIntheprocessofconstructingAnout-of-sightFormicacasino.We’redesperate;we’lltryanything.Imean,Idon’tlikewinterButwe’reusedtosomewaterAndlikethingsprettymuchastheyare,We’vebeentoldtheiceismeltingFastasalandslideelsewhereAndtherebuildrateintheCaribbean

47

Isnowupto8years,stillWewantthosedaysonthebeach,don’twe?InthesunworkingonourtanBecausewe’reawfulwhite,someofus.

48

ComfortZoneMymetabolismisaneventwhereIliveeasy,unlikethesluginthesunonthelong,drypaverswhileIsitintheshade,lookoutatHappyValley,onlymissingmyprojectwhichcouldbeimaginationroamingforglacialerratics,diamondpipes,ElCapitán,wildfiresmoke.Icannolongerwriteaboutrelationshipsortendermomentswithyourbabysitter,I’vediscoveredrocks,themantleunderthecraton,MissourioverMalawi,migratingpolaricecapsmelting,TrueNorthcouldhaveoncebeenEasttowardtheIapetusOceanstretchingonasyou’veseenwaterdo,ontheotherhand,theplanetunderfoothasmyattentionnow.TheLostStepsbacktoParadisetimeafternowcannotbefoundinthemythofEvermore.

49

I’vewriggledmywayoutintoexperience;there’snowayback.

50

TheWaywardMoonIt’sabrightsunnyearlyautumnmorningAsIsitonthethroneandnoticetheshadowCastbythebasreliefofthewhitemetalCoversays“Caution:Hightemperatures...“OnthewallinfrontofmethoughI’dhavepreferreddescribingfromadifferentsetting.Still,thereisaspotofsunshinejustTotheleftoftheroundedcover,ApointofbrillianceIcan’tshadewithmyfinger.It’sakindofluminousanomalythatmeanssomethingAboutthephysicalworldlikeablackhole.Apointoflightinwhatotherwisewouldbeatotaleclipse.Aholeintheshadowsomundaneit’srelegatedTotheroomofeasethatthusbecomesAkintotheholeinthetabletMayanastronomersHadmadetomeasuretimebyanequinoxSimplytohaveasinglecertaintyinabafflingworld.Later,we’resittingoutonadeckatPointHudsonInthefreshfallsunsetwithabloodmoonComingtoperigeeasthesunwasgoingitsway,TheOlympicssilhouettingindrynessThathassignificancepeopleargueover.IntheburgeondarkourcrookedfingersCrispandcrackleintheairtopointoutwhereThemoonshouldbejustaboveourfearsItwastheendoftheworld.HowisthemoonNotyetvisibleatthishourovertheluridhorizon?Soratherthangoallthewaytoraptureorsomeothersuch

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Uptakeintothebeyond,wedecideit’spollution,Sonaturallythatslowsmallsmokewe’dgottenusedtoCreatedthisaberration,andit’ssimplyamatterOftimebeforethecriesof“Thereitis”--likeabarnowlOnthetipofaspindlyArcticYellowcedar--punctureThenightchill.Webreatheeasyagainforatime.

52

PersonhoodThesenseofIinwhateverlanguageyouwill,thecageinwhichitlivesandifithasneverlivedinthewoodsoreveninthegreatcities,merelyseenghost-likesparrowsonthecharredbranchesoutsidethewindow,ithastoimaginedownstreamofLennon.Theremaysurvivesomefewandwhentheygreeteachotherinthegreatburned-overareatheycouldbowandthey’dhavetolearnhowtotalktoeachotherwithouttheonebumpingtheotheroff.That’showwegottowhenthebigfiresstarted.Still,thereweremanyliliesatGiverny.MakessensetokeepthatinviewevenaswewalkthisredplainwhereGilamonsterslooklikeicecreambarpalettesticksgluedtogetherandsprayedwithglitter.

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TitlesAndEndingsADoveofOtherFloodsTraceriesofPettyThievesScrabbleintheJungleAWarrantForTendernessYouSaidWhenYouReturnedWillfulRegardTheSunsetofYourSmileIncestuousProverbsYogisinLoveChildrenoftheAnthropoceneBlackTargetsAutomotiveMarshmallowsBodicesandCodpiecesTheThrillofAlgorithmsLazyAfternoonsintheAcceleratorTweakingMartianCanalsTheLongShadowofaNeedle

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Andthehensgrewquiet.Heneversawheragainsingingjoyfully.Atroubadourhewasnot.Wolfganggazedonthetreasure,thenwalkedaway.Marjorieheldtheribbonupforalltosee.Thechildrenwatchedthecowbobupinthefloodwaterandoutofsightdownstream.WhetherDraperfoundhiswifewe’llneverknow.FidelsawRaulcuttheribbontoopentheMalloftheAmericas.Revengeisrarelyahappyending.Theoldgentleman,nowinrags,returnedtohislibraryofchivalrousbooks.Whentheforestmarchedonthecastleitwasdone.LeonardsangHallelujahandthencamehome.Theydiedonthestagebeforethecurtainfell.Ohatefultyranny,holdmetillweareone.Thispuzzlecan’tbesolved.Wehavetocallthecontestoff.

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TheFaceofOurFears TsagiglalalCouragetoetchonstoneThefaceofourfuture,Destiny’scountenance,Wide-eyedwatcherOfallthatappears.Acceptthatlife,ScratchoutitscontourUndertheopenskyInthissacredplaceGuardedbyrattlesnakesAndtheharshrock,BluntbuttesofbasaltThatremainsecludedfromTheshadeofcottonwoodsInviewofrushingwaterThatcarriessalmonWhosegenerositysustainsItsfellowcreaturesEagles,humans,bears,SpiritthattoomuchlikeairAlsofeedsthepeoplepictures,Sparksofstory,thefirstscriptPromptsthechantersuseTosingtheanthemthathumshere.SalmongenerosityimpliesRapaciousospreythatfliesOverthesebuttes,cleaningthem,AsocietyofreciprocitiesThatblendsawayintotimelessreaches,Let’ssaythemagmaofwhatComestodayasabeginning

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ToforgiverockplugsThatpiercethehorizon,MutesentriesofwhatmessagesRemain,scriptsofancientplaysWhoselackofauthorshipchallengesThestarsystem.

57

FrontierSchoolingApparentlyThefirsttestOfcookingIsboilingTheegg.Toolittleyougetrunny.ToomuchYougethard.Infact,It’sbeenwidelyPresumedwomenCanchefSotheyknowThathowhardIsreallyamatterOftaste.AndtheonesThataresoftIntheverymiddleNoteverybodyLikesthoseKindsofeggs‘CausetheyalreadyLearnedhowHardtastes.

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VignettesoftheFauna@MorroBayAsnowyegretpoisedlikeastatueOfDiana,thehuntress,entirelyclassicalWhenshesnapsupthepreyandswallowsWiththatlonggulpalldownherthinneck.CrowsoutinthegustingwindbuffetedOutofaglide,theyboblikeraftsIntheriveroftheatmosphereexpendingWhateverenergiestheyhaveforthebusinessOfflying,notanallusiontoecstasy.OttersinthechurningbayrollandrollAnddivewiththeirrockinthepocketUnderanarmthoughit’sthoughtNottobeplay,simplypracticalHousekeepingchoreslikecrabsmashing,Stilltheylooktobeawfullyplayfulofcreatures.ThesurfingducksattheendoftheEmbarcaderoSeemdeadlyseriousastheyheadbackintothewaves,ShakeoffthefoamaftertheygounderAndglidebackuptheslicksandyslopeOnlytoslidedownagainintothesurf.Itmaybeplaybutitisn’tfun,NotasmileontheirstraightlittlebeaksBreakingthroughthefoamagainandagain.

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InFreedoniaAlikenessofsomeoneyou’dswearWasn’tyouhasfounditswayIntoofficialdocumentsThatwouldhavenotonlyyouButallthosenowcalleddudes,Usedtobeguys,fellows,gents,Andlately,gals,pacingupandfroWithfirestickstovouchsafeAllwhoenterbecausetheincrowd’sAllinatizzyoverwheresomePeoplecanstand,evenifthey’refrizzy.Andtherearefactions,fracturedfromtheholeWhoseheartsgoalloverevenontosleevesOverhowshe’smybrother,orhe’s —Theirbasisrestsonhowthatlikeness Goesdeepintoskinandinnards Whereusbecatsinthedarkwith Moreorlessthesamemeow—AllthewaytothemandusWiththemsohairyit’soffensive,Asclearastheappleinyourthroat.ItmoveswhenyouswallowStandingstiffatthegate.Allthewhilewe’reoutherepeekingIntotheplacewherethingsgetdone.AllholdinghandssotheenergylevelIshighinthewholethathasbeenmissingThewhilenowasweliftourvoicesUpinsongMickeyMouse,DonaldDuck.

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ThatseemedreallytohavesentoffAredcontingenttothefarleft.ConsequentlytheentirespectrumShoutseachotherdownWhilebadgerswithbulgingbackpacksLootthewholebusinessfromthebackAndstealawayintothewidedaylight.TheyappearonthebroadboulevardsInbeigeBrooksBrothersboxersAsuptodatewithrabiesshotsastheycanbe,Serviceanimalsforallthosewhocan’tliveWithouttheirbestfriends.

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ArboretumForalongtimehe’sbeenspeakingDirectlyintostonefacesoncliffsidesSothey’dbearthesmilewhenmorningLightmadeitpossibleagainTothinksomethingmightlast.AlapidaryvocationpresenteditselfWhenheheardthesoundsoftheearthNaturally,thelonggroansthestrataMakeoflimestoneandgneiss.Toclarify,itwastotimehespoke,AnantheminaboxcanyonthatcouldringInthehearingofwhoeverveeredfromthepathLeadingstraighttotheillusorycenter.HealwaystriedtogivevoicetothemomentThatswirlsaroundfeetofclayshufflingAtthedoorofsurprisewhereknobsTurnedsidewaystoopentheinsideofawindow.Eachcedaretchedthegreenarounditsbranch,AzaleapastelswavegailynexttowoodengatesAsoldasforestswithsweptpathsofgravelThatleadtocalmbesideapond,bridgesroundedUpovertheflowingwater.SuchaplaceteacheslookingwithintentionFixedonwhatispresentlybeing,Astonelanternwhoselightshinesoutofitselfforever.

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elementallivebubblesinwater,airinwaterwaterinairbubblesboilcrystalsinwaterwaterincrystalsheetshoarfrostunderlidswaterflowsfloodsairblowsblastsneglectwater airatyourperilairapparelheirapparentdeaddirt

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BreaktheWhiteSurfaceBeneaththeveneer,nowplasticanddigital,TheghostsofwhatwasherebeforeHavecomealiveagain,Theysay:“Backdown,ListentothemessagesToknowthatalloveryouThegodXipeTotecHaslaidtheflayedskinOfyourenemies,Abjectinblood,OntheremainsOfthepurestprofit, thetrophies --wives,apartments--AlltheperfumedtrashMoneymachinesdefecate,TheflotsamcreamthatpilesupOnthetinybaysbetweenarmoredshorelinesAndlandprotectedbytoxicoptimism.ThatattheendofthistunnelThelightsomeseethereblinksOntheminiaturetransmitterOfthebackupsystem’sredwarning”.I’vebeentalkingtomyselfAsifsomebodyelse--calmer,smarter,wiser.

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Shetellsme“Gosoakyourhead”Togetthebugsoutnodoubt.Ican’tquestionavoicelikethat,AbodyinsideapersonLikeapoisoninasurvivorYou’dhavetocarryitrealcareful,TheWagesofFearinyouroldtruck,Nuclearbombsinafreesociety,Racismamongcousins,distant,perhaps,Likewalkingbarefootonarockbeach,Realslow,you’dhavetobeuprightButnotstiffwhichcouldcauseaspill,StiffspilledwouldleaveacidburnsOnyour(inner)privates.Nojumpingforjoy,unlessthevial’ssealedInwhichcaseyoucouldfalloverWithoutspillageofthevenomYouholddearandtellyourselfTotoleratecontradiction,Eventhebestofyou.LikewhenIthoughtbadlyofyouWhoismybetterhalf.That’slovewithatouchofstrychnineInitsheart,makesitstiffagainstknocks.Keepitstiff,Iwastaught.Keepitmightywhite.

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TheInvisibleCage “...quejaulamedas...”A.Storniliesonastackof3x5cardstheredlineandthebluelikebarsitsumbelretractedintotherepeatediterationsofstarburstsinthecameogreenofQueenAnne’slaceformerlyawhiteflorescencethatfannedoutlikethefussyfabricinalady’sfannotanimaginedhistoryinchivalrybutyourwalkingcoloneldadcometooffthedoorofitshingesinapiqueoversomeconceptworthdyingforpulledintoabonnetshapebythesummerdroughtallaroundthissaltybaybigenoughfortheNimitzunderBigBluecoweringinyourdoor-lessroomnowanopenbookbutnotapubliclibraryreadingroomwhereyouweremakingstrataofselfintheprotozoanageofpersonality,youlaiddownrocksandgaugedreservoirsofcautionforthedeepsofstandingwaterlestyougetinoveryourheadwhileromancingthehairyape.

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Youlearnedtowirethedooropen,comeandgoasyoupleased,theumbelclosedinabunattheotherendoftheplant’sballetthatopenshandtopalmbeforeyourpuff,freeasthewind.

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SheWhoGoesBeforeAmongthelittlepeople,bigstridersPoopoothevirtuesofquietudeButifweallturnourbacksonbig,It’slikeagiantfacingtheotherway.UssmallcharactersarealreadyHikingoffknowingwellThere’snoescapinginfinity.It’sthemythyoufollowthatCreatesawomanDantesaidWasBeatricewhotakesyouBythehandthroughthedarkwood.AndrisesuplikehyacinthsOnachillmorningbetweenrains,ToosweettolastthoughsheisnotdefinedByfloraorfaunaofoldplacesWherehollowedoutforestsnurturedFauxrabbits,pornobadgers,ChickadeesthatglowednearthefeedSackthathangsfromtheburnedoutMetalframeoftheguardhouseOnthedesertestateoffauxbillionairesWithtatteredgoldcurtainsHidingthemfromviewastheyGnawonshinybarsofplutonium.Welowerourheadsaswetrudgepast,WhetheroutofshameordisinterestAndquicklyreturntoourthoughtsConcerninghighidealstradedWithacurrencynotlinkedtoegoStringsoftestosteronicbrinksmanship

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OndisplayinthemuseumjustshutteredupBytherearguardofadyingmegalopolisInthegreatstateofdenialOnthewaytoEvenow.

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AfterParticleFeverBeautyisanumberforsomeandsomesinginganddancingaroundanopenfireforotherssomelanguageservesasaconstantlikeIloveyouwhichofcourseimpliessomuchelsepicayunekindsofthingsifyoustandbackandlookforthebiggerpicturewhenwesqueezeourfacestogetherinthecurtainedboothandsmilebuckteethandbraces.

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Post-TangDynastySomethingfromChineseIreadmademethinkapersongivesbirthtoherself.Lateron,eatingsnap,crackle,popitcamethatbluewasbeautiful,redtooButnotsomuch.IoryousensethecontoursoftheearthgoddessAsaparticularinstanceofthebrookandpondwheretadpolessquirmedInthesunbeamslikecorridorsinahazyempireofmud.YoulookedupfromthatborderlandtogazeuponasylvanscenePaintedonabottled-watertruck,surelyasignofthetimesthatthoughitseemsnormalYoudecidedforyourselfwasawry.Youcoulddedicatetimetothetechniquesofindustrialart,automotivedesign,Cityplanning,socialwork,allfortheneedtodraintheswamp,SowhattodowithallthatbrackishwaterButpurifyitinbrushedstainlesstankswhilethosedarksquiggly-precursorsTothechorusofpeepersdesiccateslowlylikeeyelashesbesidetearsinthebasinOfournostalgiaforfads.Oryoucouldchainyourselftothetreesthat’llhavetocomedownAndtrustthenymphswilltickleyourfeetinthenightSointhemorningyoucouldstartallover,choosecocoapuffswithlittlemarshmallowsandawholedifferentsetofprizes:AWonderGirlstatuetteandflashlight,atinmetalbuttonsaysHONEY,

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OrawindupdronewithanAIchipthatcanrepeatwordslikePollyannaAsithoversoveradriedupoldcreekbed,asurveyor’sfilingNeededforthemallwhereyoucangetthatChinesebook:“AdviceforMandarins.”

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SurvivalistSonnet3 toBillRichardsonBeachlogscankill,soimagine‘eminatsunamicomehightailingitbacktowardthecoastlikeagianttotemwithaThunderbird’sclawsouttoattack.Theancientsknewandtriedtospell‘em,thelessonsofhowravenopenedthecracktorevealallthelittlepeopleattherimanxioustomoveontotheland,tofoulthebivouac.Legendsaysthere’snowaytostaunchthefloodoncetheshell’sbeenopenedwideasRavenlooksaskanceatthefutureblightwherehumansmultiplyandalsoshedmoreblood,rageagainstthelightonthathugetidethatwashes‘emcleanoutofthisplight.

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MycologicalCare Giantfungisplayhyphaeandfingerstogetherinamycelialembrace. Theyreachtoeachotherundergreatbadlanddeserts, acrossvastexpanses;undergroundthesilentanguish ofthedisappearedechoesinthebellsofcertainplants. Childrensoldierswhohavefallenintothenettouchitsfiberlinks thatvibratethesubsoilsoslowlyyetnematodesandmitesstutter fromtheshock. Itssporesmakearesthomefortheyoungwomenwhoplow theChihuahuanunder-desertintheirstorylessdecay. Thismushroomthatcleansesacresandbringstheelementstogether knitsthenettomenditoutofitsinhumankindness.

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ThoseGodlessWretchesIfonlywehadgod’sworktodo.TherecouldbetoilandprayerThatweretimeeverlastingAndthepeacethatcomesinsurrender.Iwouldhavebeenacopyist,Takinggreatcarewitheachletter,EachstrokeamarkinfiniteIntheexpressionofloveForeachcreaturealikebecauseEachwasmadeintheimageOftheWaythatmadeall.Unendingcareforthenib,Andtheink,theVellumblankAseachmomentthatawaits.Thishasbeenalife’sworkOnguardagainsttheslipOfthestylus,ordrip,smearOftheblackestinkinerror.Wepuzzledovermis-ShappenfiguresthatintheinstanceHadtobeitselfpartofperfection,Whichcan’tbegrasped,henceSomewordscameoutBackwardormisusedSoitbegantobehintedAdevilforcelurkedintheverythingsOfourtask:pen,ink,parchment,scribe.

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ManherselfwasperfectSoastoadmitmistakesInthescriptthatshockedusInthosedeepquietlibrariesBehindstonewallsongrillworkedShelvesoftomes,ofalltomesintheworld,TheycontainedwritingsthenThatintheirlettershidthetruthInaforestofmarks,impenetrable,ThesourceofalllearningHowcouldwehavecometothispresentSmolderingandcharredclearingoutsidethewalls?UltimatelyitmustbewomanForshecarriesthesparkthatsomeWouldkillevenwhenitwasjustAhuminabody’sbreathlesssong.Wehavesoughttoworshipher,Keepherfromstrayseed,ButalienshavestolenherawayAndtrytopeopletheirownplanet,Thosegodlesswretcheslostinspace.

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TheNeo-naturalistofChimacum forIkelooksrealcloseatseashellsfromtheSalishSeathenfashionsthoseslidesintobrassportraitsofournaturalmoment.Hedoesn’tjudgeexceptfortheaccuracyofhismoldsinredgoothatguidesthemoltenmetalstotheirsolidtruthwhenhecanpolishasanddollar,pittedanddisfiguredbytheacids,shineitbrilliantlikefragile.

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SurvivalistSonnet4Intermsofsize,thebigonecouldbeatrikeoverattheheadofconcretestairsoragreatwavedownHappyValley,ortheHawkslosingtheSuperBowl,despair.No,ourswasjustonedayweseemedunlikelytofindcommongroundagaininouraffairs,letalonethatitchyfissioninourbackalley,thekindyouhadunderthebleachersaftertherally.Inspiteofallthat,wefoundnooneelsematteredasmuchaswewhohadbeensofondbefore,andoutofthataffectionrenewedourtroth.Asyoumightexpectwerockhereinplacelookingoffinthedistanceatthegoldenpondbetweensnoozesimaginingscenesfullofsweatandfroth.

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TeaintheInnerGardenTofeelcomfortableIneedabilledcaptositundertheMorellointheafternoonsunwithyouandchataboutthegarden,howtherobincadets,rawbonedandawkward,spendfartoolongonthegroundwhentheburly,orangecatZeusprowls,howmaybethey’retheonesbrokeoffallthedogwood’stopbranchesleavingitleaderlessinthewestgarden,damnit,howthesocktiesyouproppedthespindlyapplebrancheswithtotherustywrought-irontrelliswerelikefeltbutterfliesdroopingintheheat,howthescarletrunnersbehindthesweetpearclimbedwithredribbonsintheirdogmatismuppastthetopofthestringedstakesleavingtheirhelplesstendrilstoswayintheairlikecobrasmesmerizedbyanunseenflute,howbrightnasturtiumslinebedstowardblueberries,floodlightoforange-yellowforfrothypeasattheendoftheirseasonnotyettanandpapery,howtheteainourcupshassoothedusandit’stimetogoinsideandmakesupper.

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HorsesMidstreamTheMethowmovesslowintheheat,Awesternsapphireabove,BuffalohillsbuffstubbledgreenDowntothelowestpoint,AnenigmaticwanderingForstreamingwater,Sometimesrippledtangreybrown,Almostinvisible,likethebreeze.ThepleasureyoutakethrowingTiedillusionssotheydon’tappearTotherainbowshirkingintheflowExceptforwhathehastobiteThatcostshimsomedesperatestruggle,Racingupoutofthegillelement,FlashofrougeagainstthatsapphireIntheblindbrightness,ToshakethegrasshopperFoamandrubberlegs,Yellowonorange,Offintothesilverripples.YoudobegintorealizethewayitflowsWhileyou’restandinginthesamecurrentsAndwonderwho,fromthesharp,coldartifice,WillunhookAndreleaseyou.

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Neo-eagerThere’sacomplicatedwaytogettoyou,squeezeyou.Itinvolvescurlicuesandserifs,arabesquesofsyntax,interdependentsubjunctives,andLatinpassives,garishcommas,fullstops.Icanneverremembercorrectly,soIstandhereinthecoldwatchingtheairrippleaboveyourlodgeintheeventyoumightappearbeforemymumblesandsmile,“Goodmorning,beaver,”eagerandspeechlessonceagain,inthedawningofyourlight.

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interest theethouAwedgeofgreedhaspenetratedthespaceabovehere,keptfreeforanyone,thepublicspace,thein-between,withallitshandicapsandprivilegesitremainstruetheplacewhereallprospershouldguideourthoughtandthatitdoesn’tcanbedemonstratedbyscience,thatdisciplineofunbiasandbyarulingordertolerantofdifference,thatfavorsdebateoverdebauchofthefewonthegoodsofall.Alas.MeanswingsinSpanishforsoaringabove,wishingitwerethere.Theseareactsofvision,likelearningtowalkstraightafteryourfeetforgotwheretogo;Whilebendingoverbackwardsundertheappleinthatmythicallygnarledversionofthegamesummerplaysovertheprairies.MakesJurassicParklooksilly,Thosefakeamphibiansgrowlingattrees,throwingsmallerbeastsovertheirshouldersastheymovethroughthevalleyinsearchoftheobjectofdesire.

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Goodgrief.Today’sdinosaursdon’thavetwofingersofforehead.Whentheyswingtheirtailsastheyturnforthechoicestmorsel,chunksasbigasManhattanfallawayintothetepidwatersofSlaveLakewherethey’vejettedaftertherainbowcolorsoftheirradiatedlaketrout,withallthelatestgear.Soothingwords,whatisneedednow.Calmthewildlypalpitatingheart.Wearehavingaheartattack.Sostepbackfromitandgazeupthereattherootsofheaven.Relax.Youdon’tneedtrainingtodie.

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InMemoriamIputallmyletterstoyouInaradioactiveboxSotheywouldflameoninawayEvenafterallthelightswereoff.I’veknownafewastronauts.Theymostlyfloatbyontethers,Kindofdistantasfriends.Theyneedtobetieddowntodinner.OneyeartheygatheredalltogetherInabareloglodgeonamountaintop.TheytetheredthemselvestogetherAndIdon’tthinktheythoughtitthroughButofasuddentheyfloatedoff,Likeasegmentedworminastarchamber.TheynevercamebackbutafewtweetsAbouthowlonelyitwasgettingOutthereinspace,howthesilenceHadtobecomeacloakofcomfortandease.Iwonderifit’slikewhenyoubackawayFromtheprecipicedeepinthebackcountryAndprepareyourselftolivewithbears,Knowsomeofuswillbeeateninthedark.

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AfterHyde’sTheGiftBreatheitinandwithyourpanoramalitupjustnowtothescopeofthecherries’effervescentblossomingintotheether,theirtinychinaonaweather-beatenwroughtironpea-coloredtablewithchair,ascentofJulyinvagueLapinswheretheleaveswouldhavebeenwereitaCamelliasinensiswhosetinywhiteflowersain’ttea;somethingyouhavetopasson,giveawaywithanauthenticgestureoverpalmfrondsshadowedagainstthewallinamauvekind-of-awarenessthatbringsoutMatisseintheMediterranean,probablyatsiestalikeabreathyouhavetogiveawaytomakeroomforthenextandrecognizethat’sthewayenergyflows,liketherandomstepsoftheEgyptianWalkingonion,itsscallionagglomerationsalloverthegardeninclumpsthewanderingBuddhistmonkgaveusanageagothatcontinueonwalkingaroundusallthistime.TranslatefromthebreathintoanobjectofdelightlikethescentofJapaninthewhitefrillsonapurplepluminthespringtimewhenitshouldbeandmakesuresomebodyelsegetsit.

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SurvivalistSutraHewassonaïveatonepointhethoughtgovernmentswerebusinesses,sexwasforhowyougotsomewhere,starswereforhitchingto,earthwasflat,butthatitwouldbounceback.Herealizedaboutthebathroomremodel,therefore,thathewasofnostrongfeelingonewayortheother.Sohefoundhewasbeinggiventhetasktotrytoacceptthewayitwasgoingtobe;thenfindanarrativethatexplainedhowitlookedsocool.Hewasemboldenedbythefactthattheyhadengagedtheprocessofchoosingtilewholeheartedlyduringtheamountoftimejudgedtolerable—drivingtoHadlockacoupleoftimes,comparingcolorsandstyles,whichtookI’mguessing3hours—thoughtheyhadlookedonlineatsomepatternsandwerewellawareoftheexistingcolorsandstylesthey’dgrownaccustomedtothoughIcan’trecallhowtheycametopickthe“look”ofitinthefirstplace,buttheylearnedtolivewithit.Nomatter,aquestionofacceptingandexplainingorjustifyingwhatyou’vedone.Andinthatprocessofacceptingtheinchoatebathroomwithallyourheartyoucancreatethebeautysheorheis.Notsureifabathroomhasagender;musthaveallofthem,they.Anywayit’sdoneandit’sabeaut.Otherwise,You’dhavetotearitallapartagainAndstartfromscratch.AndthenitwouldcometothatpointWherethejobmightbegintoveeroffTowarduglyintheremodel,Soitcomestoyouthat

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MaybejustacceptingwhatisIsthebestyoucando?Butthat’sconcedingpower,Thewaytostayoppressed.GrantedthatwehavebecomepowerfulInthisprocesssohowhaveweAvoidedthecircumstanceThatbythenatureofthingsWeareoppressingothersExceptbybeinggentlewiththehands?

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AUTHORBIOGRAPHY

WalterNickersonHillwasborninChicago,raisedinSãoPaulo,Brazil,andhasspentlotsoftimeinOaxaca,Mexico.HesharedLatinAmericanculturewithU.S.collegestudentsforalongtime.Authorofnumerousacademicreviewsandarticles,hehasalsotranslatedtheworkofnotedLatinAmericannovelistsandpoetsincludingAlvaroMutis,DavidHuerta,andMiguelBarnet:BiographyofaRunawaySlave.HisEnglishversionsofpoemsbyMexicanJorgeFernándezGranados’PrincipleofUncertainty,appearedasConstructedonCoincidence(Mid-AmericanReview2010).HeiscurrentlytranslatingGaryLemons’DíaDeLosMuertosintoSpanish.HillhasoneslimawardforachapbookandwillhavethreecollectionsofpoetryafterSleightWorkcomesoutinNovember2018.HelivesontheOlympicPeninsulawithhiswife.Visithttp://wnickhill.net

Someonewho’snotmuchforpoetrythinksthisisn’tmuchlilkeanythingshe’sseenbefore.It’stricky.

Youhavetojudgeforyourself.

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