The Antelope As Document

1.

If I am the dove
& you are the wind
together we have some business.


2.

Maybe I’m a Little Half-Chick, one
of the lost ones on the way to Capital City,
thinking along the journey: I’m whole
& The King will be so pleased to see me.


3.

Erase the deities of ocean & sky:


4.

If you want to be touched, say, Touch me.
If you want to be held, say, Hold me.


5.
An antelope running wild on the plains of Africa
should not be considered a document.


6.

The girl’s green t-shirt reads
SAVE DARFUR. Such a message,
how shall we classify? In the context
of a day without rain? Or in the neighborhood
the girl walks? In the borders of her country
strapped & declaring war?


7.

OBJECT                                     DOCUMENT?

Star in sky                                 No
Photo of star                             Yes
Animal in wild                            No
Animal in zoo                            Yes


8.

(Coffin draped in flag                   No)
(Photo of coffin draped in flag       Yes)

9.
Eventually, wisdom arrives—
But men spill their milk in the meantime.


10.

Who will offer his tongue?