Laconic Supernumeraries


May a man who pirouettes
whether or not he break
his leg be praised?

To lever himself out of content
he puts pebbles of mica,
turquoise between

the borders of
banded agate,
tigerseye.

Path, fortunate focus!
Here, the work is so fine
it banishes memory

to darkness. Aesthetics
(My ear, do not
tell me to calm down,

dammed with wax) will none?
Voice, shall I endure
Correction?

Foot by foot
Into the gathering
Night, Kali--

 

 

 

Copyright © 2003 Jim McCurry