American Roots

fireworks satisfy at a distance
from the road through a tree
after memorable closer thrills
I will refrain from blaming my
American roots or customary
obligation I can accept or not
a canopy of sparks the noises
might be alarming if not seen
to be harmless ritual release

Honey-Roasted

Everything must come from the heart. —Pina Bausch

among the almonds I am bitter
but you'd never know that I am
honey-roasted lightly salted as
if delicious but no one eats me

is the issue whether recognized
or satisfied with the thing itself
in order to go on sell out truth
inheres in continuing making

That Long

Look up from my desk on the 73rd floor and there is the future falling into the past. It takes that long, or would if I didn't see it coming. In fact it falls in slow motion: the latest present lasted a couple of months. Stop motion. Then another limbo of anticipation. And then another.

Special Honey

some talkers never stop the music
only briefly interrupts and how to
say what is enough or censor what
is interesting genuine silence rare
pleasure photographed unwitting

I go on anyway try not to be rude
or say the hurtful word someone
other than you defending himself
replacing lost time with new wine
extra crisp muffin special honey

Similar Feelings

what if not now perfect never
another time people different
similar feelings does one love
one other or the being a lover

nice question exposes roots
air and sun can kill who am I
mobile alimentary canal only
meaning one or two by one

Other Life

ah yes for me it is special since
I wrote it others fun too still this
time best compared to what not

vile is weaker than detestable I
choose advisedly hoping it rings
true cast mellow in the hot tub

what other life resumes where
was I dreaming seeing visions
writing something else arising

Smooth Moves

everything I have to say I say
in my play every word means
more than it seems wavering
between reality and whatever
else there is outlasting us all

nearly over gone it floats in
potential pixels on screens
is that better than memory
I can't even remember who
was there or who missed it

list of bad all but empty no
more notes it is as perfect
as it possibly can be ticking
along I marvel their smooth
moves exactly what I want

Key Moments

granola beats wine bar I'm talked
out happy home alone in kitchen
interviewed on camera in walnut
shade and at my desk with Alfred
we gave Mark the end of his movie
maybe wait see Dalton reference
memorializes darling John Albano
one of my few fans remembering
too much key moments forgotten

Fresh Jar

in and out at both ends
pretty frank in the morning
don't hold back
where is your peanut butter
in the door of the refrigerator
I just opened a fresh jar yesterday
or the day before Alfred
making sandwiches for Teeya
who is leaving on the bus

An Ovation

walnuts and cheddar
walnuts and raisins
beer and snacks in the studio
planning the party
cheers and whoops an ovation
I threw things
at the crackling
camera girl
before that something else
a few songs
an arrival
ah yes the Guarneri
rehearsing Beethoven
still trying to be better