part of a panorama

FLAT RIVER

You want to understand the metaphysical basis

of these innumerable poems-

après-poems.  Sherlock Holmes

might just as well (go home).  Faces

crowd the apparitions – bow

wet black petals

into wreath-portals;

Nile barge (or Venice funeral-scow).

Sometimes the dishwasher breaks down (just now).

Anton Gàg died young.

Paint fumes (bad lung) –

Bohemian lifestyle in New Ulm (& how

his seven kids survived, I dunno).

Painted Dakota braves

advance through dry sheaves

hungry for ground (1862)...

We’re part of a panorama, Melody;

some Mendelssohn concerto

swelling to tomorrow...

Nature renewed by grace (slow psalmody).

The flat river was calm today.

The bridge craned upward

in a mirror, downward.

Man & God in Maggie’s puffer, aye.

Aunt May (out of Glasgow) beset

my father (John Douglas)

with needless trials, alas;

the ship of faith already left the port.

12.2.17