ayaladn

which of these

is first thought

we all know

all we know

as afterthought,

the right mistake

a perfect place

I only wrote

I meant to stay

I try, & am a fan

of running stones

& wadis & the

washes driest,

& deep-end pools,

appareled poles

& year-long piers,

& clarity,

truly nearest

a hot dog stand on

each fourth corner

kitty-cross from

burger joints &

bakeries & take-out

tacos & sushi,

(that’s eight) & 7

blocks between this

& that is thatman,

at a delicatessen

with his dainties

& canned goods,

or so he said

(& I’m not deaf)

but what’s the sign

for ‘check please’

to El Greco

at the ivy wall,

who needs to know

why piccolos at

first adjust to

perfect pitch &

twist their necks

like seventh –

stretchers in the

bleachers — well,

it’s not cricket —

‘but what’s third base’

(she wants to know)

the rooftop shouts

at once, ‘foul ball’

& that’s a bat

why the chap’s there,

by the anvil, &

the bellows on

the barrel, &

its wood be staven,

is he mullein o’er

the meadow teasel,

studyin’ the oaks

above his head,

it’s full o’ them

& thoughtless,

to think it thru,

he’s doin’ math

& rootin’ stems