Readings in Contemporary Poetry

Robert Creeley



STILL LIFE OR



mobiles:
          that the wind can catch at,
against itself,
                a leaf or a contrivance of wires,
in the stairwell,
to be looked at from below.

We have arranged the form of a formula here,
have taken the heart out
                               & the wind
is vague emotion.

To count on these aspirants
these contenders for the to-be-looked-at part
of these actions
                     these most hopeful movements
needs
a strong & constant wind.
                            That will not rise above the speed
which we have calculated,
                         that the leaf
remain
          that the wires
be not too much shaken.

© 1987 Robert Creeley



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