dummy

in Machu Picchu just because I can

go there. I can get on a a plane

and take it–to Lima, Peru; to Cusco,

Peru–and then get on a train and take that

to Aguas Calientes (the hot waters)

and then get on a bus up to the ruins.

A short trip if I take drugs (my

fellow-passengers asleep, ignorant of

the blessed magazines in first class).

And to do it on a fall day, my friend

alert for news from his mistress, from his

woman, from his queen–now from his

sitter, from his dog-sitter, from his baby-

sitter, from his doctor, from his baby-

doctor. Quiet as the stones.

here? Standing up with my shoes

next to the metal detector… Hartsfield-

Jackson International Airport…

wondering where this conveyor-belt

goes–in, or up? I’ve lost my boarding-

pass–I think it said Akron but I don’t

even like Ohio. And Oh, on a Sunday,

the great trade convention that I was

to be speaking at. The distinguished

company. So qualified. So exceedingly.

Important. Loud. Nictitating. Horti-

culturalists. Lend me nothing–I’d

rather be a hooligan, off towards the

coasts of Florida, towards the bright

ships. Burn it all down.