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SymbolsMy great-grandmother
would set prospective brides
the task of unraveling wool
to mark their composure,
suitability for the role of woman.
I am sure she also saw
their entire lives-to-be in the yarn-
meeting snarls as a trial,
challenge, or proof
of their inadequacies
revealed to the omniscient mother-in-law
as their fingers trembled
to smooth out the tiny knots.
I see her now, the only woman
who dared sit in my grandfather's chair,
measuring the meaning of every coil
of pearls she wound around her throat,
the effect of every gesture she employed,
the significance of every blunder, each success
of those she relentlessly tested,
the revelation of the universe
in every grain she placed
in the palm of her broad flat hand
Instructions for the Burglar
Let me begin by expressing my appreciation
that you have taken out time
to read this -
some people think
poetry does not matter
I would like to explain
where my valuables are situated
so that you will not be forced
to turn the house upside down -
you see, I do not mind what
you take
so much
as how.
My savings are in the empty case
of Bridges to Babylon
It's all in small denominations
In case I need to escape
I don't think
I tried
hard enough
to succeed
in the ways
that can be measured
is cash
(the music system is 15 years old-
not worth the shlep)
Most of the jewelry
Is paste - maybe even the rings
I inherited from my mother
Sorry to disappoint
Finally:
Please leave me the back-ups
when you take the computer -
that way I have a chance
to replenish my stores
for next time
Poetry |