Outpost
This is a place because I call it one.
No, this is a place because I am standing
somewhere, in it. The place doesn’t need
anyone. If it relaxes into ruin, so what,
any dirt can become mud, and a lake
can become snow. The place is always
changing independent of what I want.
Also, it takes my ropes around its neck,
trying to bring it home with me. It only
tugs back a little, shaking its head to say
This is a place. This is a place. This is a place.
Love the piece for Storm King, one of my favorite places to see sculpture.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking today and yesterday and a few other days how some places leave an incredible impression on my mind that even in my dreams I visit them and how I have lived long in some places and there is nothing...searching for a memory but nothing...how weird is that for some places..happy thursday Hannah!
ReplyDeleteThe beginning's sort of a variation on "If a tree falls in the forest . . . ." I like it. Nice final four lines, esp. the last one! What would you think of changing one section to "as I try to bring it home . . . "? Otherwise, it reads as if the Place is trying to bring itself home. But I love the sort of extended metaphor of the horse. I too have tried to ride and guide him. I bet we all have.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions here, John! Thank you....
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