Key Episodes from an Earthly Life by C. D. Wright

Key Episodes from an Earthly Life 

 

As surely as there are crumbs on the lips

of the blind          I came for a reason

 

I remember when the fields were no taller 

than a pencil          do you remember that

 

I told him          I’ve got socks older than her 

but he would not listen

 

You will starve out girl          they told her 

but she did not listen

 

As surely as there is rice in the cuffs 

of the priest          sex is a factor          not a fact

 

Everything I do is leaning          toward 

what we came for          is that perfectly clear

 

I like your shoes your uncut hair 

I like your use of space too

 

I wanted to knock her lights out 

the air cut in and did us some good

 

One thing about my television set it has 

a knob on it enabling me to switch channels

 

Now it is your turn          to shake or

provoke          or heal me          I won’t say it again

 

Do you like your beets well-cooked and chilled 

even if they make your gums itch

 

Those dark arkansas roads          that is the sound 

I am after          the choiring of crickets

 

Around this time of year          especially evening 

I love everything          I sold enough eggs

 

To buy a new dress          I watched him drink the juice 

of our beets          And render the light liquid

 

I came to talk you into physical splendor 

I do not wish to speak to your machine