Like the first poem, this one's also at a party.
This one's in Tucson, Arizona.
Some of you may recognize yourselves at this party,
perhaps.
The title, "Animatronic Poem" refers
to puppets that are animated by electronic devices.
"Animatronic Poem."
"A few locals loll with their legs stretched.
They look dead or relaxed.
The moment before action where re-shooting a scene.
Bowls of guacamole, salsa, and chips
hold positions on the low table.
Bouncy Latin music breaks from the player in the armoire.
I surface from my thoughts, bloated as a submarine.
A couple spins briefly.
She's wearing an ivory skirt and bright tank top.
Works her hips such that the spaghetti straps droop
a little down both arms.
She's having fun for the first time in a while.
Maybe the world stopped and started again.
Why else is the barbed wire behind the house notched
with pieces of dresses and trousers?
A guy with a ponytail who's been hiding in the kitchen
occupies the couch with a cola.
Rapid fire laughter.
When asked who you are, say my name.
I'd like to do one brave thing before I'm ashamed.
Somebody shouts.
Another holds his finger in one ear and a phone to the other,
his face tight.
'Are you here?'
Hunting for someone.
Squeals accompany the unwrapping of gifts.
Paper party dresses hastily removed.
People shoved into a pool.
Spilled salsa, tequila, the past, the future,
all hobnobbing.
Do we few who never knew war think of ourselves
as political victims?
At any point along a continuum, does horror negate life?"