BOB ARNOLD
HOW TO SURVIVE IN AMERICA, MY SON
Forget tv
& newspapers
silly phones
& “what’s important”
watch the sky, the trees, the tide
animals don’t care much about you until you look like them
when rolling the car
bang back the roof
knock smooth the doors
find new glass
don’t lend the car again
cover the tomatoes for as long as you can
the morning ice is in the work pails
rake the yard by hand
leaf all garden beds
it’s time to say goodbye
do this with someone you love or who is your thoughts
watch for fools —
they act &
often
look
like you
photos © susan arnold
