FORREST GANDER'S MOJAVE GHOST ~

from Mojave Ghost

In the city, a weather of zeros-and-ones

cascades through rising static, while here

in this xeric topography, we fold ourselves

into the circumstances of desert foothills

chewed away by leprosies, toothed winds, and

sudden rains. Will you let me

approach you? Bend forward

and touch consequences, tenderness, leave

the trace of my fingertips

on your throat's dimple, your

clavicle, nipple? Lean in. In

my mouth, the sound of

your name has changed.

___________________

Forrest Gander

Mojave Ghost

New Directions 2024

LISTEN TO BERNIE ~

 

     U.S. Senator, Vermont

GILLIAN WELCH & DAVID RAWLINGS ~

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwUoej-nm6I

LINTON KWESI JOHNSON ~

L I N T O N   K W E S I   J O H N S O N

 

JOHN MILTON ~

R E A D   M E

 

      Gustave Dore

JOHN BRADLEY'S SPELLS ~

 

Stopping By Words Spell

Whose words these are I think I know.

Who can really own them, though.

No one will see me stealing here

To watch these words become my own.

My sturdy tongue must think it weird

To mouth such blather far and near

Between your ears, that lovely space

Where song makes clatter something dear.

You give each word a goodly shake

And ask if this is some mistake.

This tune, so familiar, must leak

From the pillow used by Willy Blake.

These words are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have syllables to keep,

And text to eat before I sleep,

And text to eat before I sleep.

________________

John Bradley

As Blood is the Fruit of the Heart

Dos Madres 2025

NATURAL MAGIC ~

 

R E A D   M E

     Princeton, 2024

BIRDS THROUGH INDIGENOUS EYES ~

 

R E A D   M E

      Princeton 2024