Teaching the Ape to Write Poems ...by James Tate

They didn't have much trouble
teaching the ape to write poems:
first they strapped him into the chair,
then tied the pencil around his hand
(the paper had already been nailed down).
Then Dr. Bluespire leaned over his shoulder
and whispered into his ear:
"You look like a god sitting there.
Why don't you try writing something?"


- James Tate (b.1943)

Curiously Young Like a Freshly-Dug Grave ... by Richard Brautigan

Curiously young like a freshly-dug grave
the day parades in circles like a top
with rain falling in its shadow.


- Richard Brautigan (1935 -1984)

The Reader ...by Janet Lewis

Sun creep under the eaves,
And shines on the bare floor
While he forgets the earth.

Cool ashes on the hearth,
And all so still save for
The soft turning of leaves.

A creature fresh from birth
Clings to the screen door,
Heaving damp heavy wings.


- Janet Lewis (1899-1998)

Song ...by Ezra Pound

Love thou thy dream
All base love scorning,
Love thou the wind
And here take warning
That dreams alone can truly be,
For 'tis in dream I come to thee.


- Ezra Pound (1885-1972)

(A Lume Spento 1908)