L’esprit de l’escalier
stairs like a place
to practice going to
the bottom of things
the difficult ground of a wren
his swearing freely
at the odd robin
Cheerful poems
Cheerful poems — a collection of the best works on Poemship.
Afterlife
I might find
great satisfaction
in being a bear
in the meantime
sun is enough
and the old ground
but the ridiculous angels
do not see anything
but a book
Comedian
concerning solemn things
I doubt their verdict
of truth like a pulpit
to protest in
I confess no sins to the state
no sorrow to my midnight
Feed a fever
sick all day at home
my books depress
so I make room for more
leg of pork
and a roasted head
setting my paper supper
Time management
out of a stick person
I make a new enemy
but how to trust such a seer
with the management of lead
I was so ready
to alter the present
the clock and I danced
all night
Crowd ritual
I see the ceremony in a crowd
a high mass of people
here a beggar
here a fine lady
her pocket being picked
for music
their go-along selves
for a sacrament
only mirth
I beg to differ
who among nonconformists
expect to have their day
my words keep differing
with my lips
First timers
the first time is a small
but needful dominion
a boat of unfortunate paper
an ink that occasions silence
a man who escaped prison
in woman’s apparel
you crow like a cock
at the table of it
and I am summoned like an answer
in words words words
I learn old things all over again
out of hope
Deal maker
all the ire I have seen
did little
but dinner and discourse
give me all I want
a pair of old shoes
which fit old things
Mechanic
under my car
all afternoon to see
what sings
Low bar
a drink stiff as any prejudice
better for me than a head full of intrigue
having it to go
serving the tomb is an art
Substitutionary
I find no love in the abstract
of my pocket
nothing but a little god
and my hat
which I am glad to eat
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