HUGH DUNCAN

 

 

 

 

 

 
07/12/05

#2783

INJUSTICE
Making wrong assumptions among pipettes and
bowls of stainless steel
contaminating fluids not crushing pills
my ignorance is steadfast
my lovely superior assumes I know
but my assumptions
draw reprimands

 
07/26/05

#2796

CYNTHIA’S ART
I hear the disconsolate rage of her father
she sees tossing water
waves lapping the belly of fisherman Jesus
a cross sinking with him
catchphrases unfolding while a dry eye
deploys itself on the horizon.

 
08/03/05

#2799

PATIENCE
heavy labor waits
I have a moment’s wait enduring
a scintilla of gold crossing turquoise

 
08/04/05

#2801

STREET SCENE
raindrops
trickling down bicycle spokes
in the street below
stranger greets stranger

 
08/06/05

#2803

CODA
when I find the perfect
fitting word
for every weekend
I’ll know which gift to bring
to my beloved

 
09/07/05
 
#2828

DISTRACTION
startled by the stink of camphor
and all the while
the walls are closing in on me

 

08/11/05

#2805 

RITUAL DANCE
 
I see, close up, the face of a woman with short, red hair and a round, pale face.  From the vague indications in the background I gather she is on a sidewalk in a city.  A man's hand reaches from behind and covers her mouth, pulling her head backwards.  He says, "I'll give you more reasons to think I'm a kook!"  I see the same woman, still in close up, now in the back seat of a car.  Tears are running down her face but she is trying not to sob.  The same man's voice orders her to "Look!" but she only glances to my right without turning her head.  The man repeats "Look!" loudly several times upon which the woman squeezes her eyes tightly shut.  I know the man has kidnapped the woman's young son, has him in the car with them and is trying to compel her to look at the boy.
 
RITUAL DANCE
 
the steps tell me when to start and stop
where my flesh begins and ends
without them I dissolve
in profusion
breathless, celestial and terrifying.

 

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