THE AXIS OF THE UNIVERSE

Another poem that is based on an event. I was moving the rice pan to the sink to wash when the thought occurred.

the water

in the burnt rice pan

turns

swirls

returns

and

in

that

precise instant

becomes

the axis of the universe

A good exercise is to write about what you have just done. This could take the form of a set of instructions or, like this poem, an impressionistic account of a single second. Such exercises help to improve your chops.

This second example was written at a festival where I was appearing. I stood watching the people around me have a hedonistic time, while others, in viz vests cleaned up after them.

Human Geology

the band crank it out, urgent, loud,

such a brief time to impress

below them hands in the air

almost a single mass of flesh

caught up in their moment

others further away

drink, talk, laugh, vape

the festival the backdrop to their private dramas

everywhere

unnoticed in viz-vests

people paid by the hour

stoop to collect cans into plastic bags

I think I prefer the first. The second is tell rather than show. It is always better to show than to tell.

Alela Diane has a new album out. She is touring too.

Until next time.