Catherine Meng – Two Poems

Catherine Meng

Two Poems

20: KUAN (Contemplating)

Seasons (there are 4 with fixed regularity) Deviate within, never in relation Observe the many migrations In cities & persons The pattern is laid out between buildings Alleys may all look the same, but the order there A gifted individual can use Sp/inspiration Su/work A/contemplation W/rest When attempting to foresee Note what preceded & you can determine what will follow Take heed: one rarely sees what one desires Yet the opportunity to master exists In reaction & instinct.  In moving freely through streets Broken by shadow If you get in an accident & your voice is changed Your example will create trust among your associates Bob Dylan said that. Something like that. Your position is prone to be as prominent as your influence The higher you rise to see The more visible you become i.e. you will be trusted “I’m just being a slut” Fixed in an afternoon.  A monument submerged. This is not where we are.  I can’t decide s/now. We agree on a place to meet in our dreams after we shuffle through all the places we cannot agree on: Milk Street.  Wyoming.  The Brooklyn bridge.  The Santo de Cristos. Oakland.  The arroyo.  The Jerusalem olive tree. Meanwhile, I watch 90210 in the lounge & chain smoke until I sound like bad radio.  A constant that spans a century & travels toward space. Because I said, “I’m just picking my butt,” and 10 years pass before we separate, reminisce, & clarify the statement that started it all.  So we agree to meet there & get it right while we sleep.

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