1/7/13

I Still Remember That Song
By Thomas Zimmerman

- -
Dreams of self-destruction. Hung-
over university-lecture
mornings: Hemingway. “Battered
by the elements,” I used
to say. Returning to the Mother.
Too much earth-spirit,
not enough of the other.

A woman’s body naked, oceanic
under mine. Blue veins and tiny
hairs on breasts. Oh, stop your sniveling
and kiss them anyway. Any way.

Vaginas remind men of death.
The paradox is obvious.
Profound. Instructive. Pay attention
to the grass, the trees, your neighbors’
dog. Your own slogging blood.
Yes, yes, the gurgle and thud.
But also murmur, whisper, death-
rattle, breath-battle. Song.


- - -
Thomas Zimmerman teaches English at Washtenaw Community College, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His chapbook "In Stereo" has been published as part of The Camel Saloon Books on Blog series.