I'd like to begin with some short poems.
Some funny poems.
Some simple poems.
By way of a reminder that a poem ought
to go directly to the nervous system, and not get
impeded by the analytical faculties.
And the strained attention with which so many people
come to listen to poetry.
Can you hear it in the back?
All right.
You know this little poem, this is a Papago poem.
Sometimes I go about pitying myself,
and all the time I'm being carried by great winds
across the sky.