October 2nd, 2008
Link • Poems, Tributes • 3 Comments
SPRING BREAK
For three days, Friday
Plus the weekend,
I pulled up roots.
I wanderedFreely among women in velvet dresses,
Men in cutaways.
When I signed the guest bookOne bowed, one lifted
Fingers to my lips—I wasA field of poppies
Blossoming, then blown.
A blind man gabbling on the bus.
A bicycle colliding with a taxi—lost,I could be rescued,
Therefore seen.
Vainly I disguised the lettersIn my name.
Streets, people’s
Faces, the movement
Of their bodies suddenly
Vivid: spindlyThighs, the cut
Of muscles
In their arms, fingersClutching the key.
One licked her teeth.
A crust of bread was dipped in oil.
For whom I had returned to the streets of MaianoThey knew, but they remembered
Ascalaphus.
When I had enough secrets
I also had pity.
–from Rattle #22, Winter 2004
This is a stunning poem. A good example of Longenbach’s theories; just enough difficulty. Thank you.
You are such a poet! I like the imagery and secrecy in this piece. Good job JL!
[...] James — Spring Break [...]