So here's a little short one called "Valediction."
This is in a sense that same thing I was talking
about while ago, forgetting, or disintegrating or something
like that.
It's one of those--
poems about addiction is of course
a farewell address and this is a kind of farewell thing.
But don't get your hopes up, it isn't the end of the reading.
Another two more poems after this.
Valediction.
I who witnessed the nails desire for a blind hammer,
and kept account books of rain have gone through the day
without hope.
What an accomplishment.
Now I can drop my eyes like stones
into the black water of night.
I am taking myself apart like a puzzle.
This must be an ear.
This must be a piece of my coat or is it
sky which there is so much of and all the same color.
I am resigning from my shoes.
They are worn out and will fit anybody.
Whoever wears them his job will be to harvest
the delicate shells of walnuts.
He must remember the signals.
How to speak to the ducks about their carelessness.
How to remind trees they have a certain responsibility.
He must prevent the sleepy road from stumbling into the river,
and watch for tiny fish who swim past carrying
great burdens of light.
I'll read just two more.