Linda Black
This little stretch of life
(from the letters of Elizabeth Bishop)
There are sanctuaries, small melting snowdrifts
here and there; an atmosphere
easy to crawl into. In one of those intervals
where all thought has ceased, I am tempted
by waves, the transparent sea. I think my heart
beats twice a day - a very slight
ailment. I've tried all approaches; aerial
and subterranean - I am mixed about
like a drop of oil on water. This place!
This pile of masonry! Accumulated
stray objects - you can get right under,
clutching like a gasping mermaid,
no view to be seen. Have you ever
gone through caves? Things
just seep through the walls.
I don't imagine anyone could hear me
howling. I am one
of ten thousand or whatever it is
who are lost each year. In a minute or two
I know I shall forget. Excuse
my disconnectedness - I must go see
what everything is doing
- these things on my shoulders
are not wings.
Page(s) 13
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