WEBVTT

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This poem is called "The
Loveliest Woman in Altoona,

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Iowa," Tonight, the
loveliest woman in Altoona

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is giving herself to a
dry cleaning apprentice

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beneath swings in City Park.

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His mustard breath, his
life is crystallizing

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as he manipulates her
loins, imagining competence.

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And then it happens.

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Her coveted eggs rush
through the Earth

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like small ecstatic animals
and the Midwest contracts

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in horror.

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There is hardly
a place to stand.

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The entire village has
gathered to confirm

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the mayor's prediction.

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Gabriella and Barnaby
have come to an evil end.

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[LAUGHTER]

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Smoke, water, and
sirens malign the sky.

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Surely it will be broadcast
soon that all is under control

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and the elders
will sigh thinking

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they too are under control.

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Though their lives were
exposed to a crime of passion,

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come see the people rise.

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[APPLAUSE]

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