“writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. we are given a shot at dancing with, or at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being squashed by it over and over again. it's like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. you can't stop the raging storm, but singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship.”
- anne lamott


Saturday, February 9, 2013

the unknown names of everyday objects

did you know, that smell of rain on dry earth
two australian botanists once gave it a name: petrichor.
and the space
between thumb
and forefinger
lexicographers will tell you is called the purlicue.
if i ever were
to tattoo your name upon my body, i would do it there
the meeting place of grasping
the smooth and pliable curve of my hand

another word: desire path.
synonym: shortcut.
unpaved, but clear: the worn earth cuts from point
to point, fashioned by nonconforming feet

although there is much i do not know
words i cannot speak, for i have not yet learned them
still i can walk my own desire path
the shortest distance from where i am
to where i want to be.
please come: we'll go.

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