(no subject)

[chelidon]

I was just reading an entry by an old friend of mine, who is showing and describing a wonderful work of fiber art/sculptural garment he has in a current show, and in it he posted a snippet of poetry that absolutely blew me away, and I felt compelled to share it. Mmm, such a gift. Delicious.

…your eternity. This failing city’s
radiant as any we’ll ever know,
paved with oily rainbow, charred gates

jeweled with tags, swoops of letters
over letters, indecipherable as anything
written by desire. I’m not ashamed

to love Babylon’s scrawl. How could I be?
It’s written on my face as much as on
these walls. The city’s inescapable,

gorgeous, and on fire. I have my kingdom.

--Mark Doty, “Homo Will Not Inherit”

Comments

dream

[michaelsylvan.livejournal.com]

Chelidon,
What an English teacher's dream - to have shared one of my favorite writers and to have had someone I am so fond of fall head over heels with a new poet! Doty's also perfected the prose memoir - Heaven's Coast is probably one of the best encounters with grief and loss met head on, and the newest Dog Years reminds those of us that share lives with 4 leggeds that there is so much wisdom about life in their stories.
This poem, written in response to homophobic grafitti he witnesses in his city, is from an older collection of poems entitled Atlantis
you are much in my heart tonight, my friend, blessings

Re: dream

[chelidon.livejournal.com]

And likewise, many fond thoughts and blessings, my friend (and I'm still post-electric from that wonderful poem -- will definitely be adding Doty to my "must read" list). And hey, I'm going to be footloose and fancy free during the the day on Sunday, in Baltimore. Claudia's going to be there for a conference and I'm going to fly in Saturday night and we'll go home Monday. While she's stuffing her brain with knowledge on Sunday, I was going to take the opportunity to go to some of my favorite art museums, maybe have lunch at Fells Point

I thought I might hit the Delaware Art museum for their lovely preraphaelite collection and Walters for their Egyptian/magic exhibit that I've heard so much about. But alas, the preraphs aren't coming back to the Delaware until later in the month. But...when is the gallery open where your piece is showing? I'd love to see it in person. Any chance you'd have some time on Sunday to join me?

Re: dream

[michaelsylvan.livejournal.com]

Chelidon,
email me for me my cell # - I'll be in the studio for a good chunk of the weekend, but I'd so love to see you in person if you are in town. sylvanmask@aol.com

[ravenedgewalker.livejournal.com]

wow. just wow, and I've not run into this poet before. yum - much needed before going to work.