Field Journal M. Anthony

1.
Sometimes, sometimes
The wind rolls through your body
And it’s just enough to fill you up
And sometimes, though the air is cold
The sun presses against your skin
Just enough to lift your head
And sometimes, if you’re really lucky,
The sounds of the world surround you kindly Just enough to let you close your eyes
Listen
And smile
There is an acorn at my feet

2. Where they practice relaxation Where they focus on the Breeze, the Heat, The stones, the calls of birds and of forgotten lovers And of sandwiches Where we fall asleep in the meadow Where sap drips from the tree trunk Where tears dry softly on a windowsill, Four stories from what could have made a great one. Where clouds shift slowly and Fingertips move even slower, Young aquanauts drift ashore, 3. Too far entranced in their love for the water

The wind is so strong today, T o n o t i c e t h e l a n d .

Why can’t I hear it?

4. I listened to the album for the first time While standing at a urinal. The piss didn’t smell that bad It swirled in a circle, the piss, and I watched. I put soap on my fingers And the sun shone through the window. It was warm on my back Piss is warm When it comes out of your body I remember liking the album And perhaps I will listen to it again.

5.
Who stayed out on the courts

Until the lights were shut off
Who walked along the thoroughfare

With a full moon on their back Who journeyed with a crowd

And on their lonesome
After fastening tote bags of literature, Condom wrappers and gin and play- house tickets
To their body
Who knew when to take a deep breath,

And how to hold it

7.

6. I think about the frontiersmen, And the young adults from the age Of Charles Dickens. How were the early twenties spent before universities? Certainly a period of self-discovery And poor living conditions, I assume.

But these lives More interesting stories, to me And more unique. Then again, In 100 years time, Maybe someone will think that way About problem sets.

The city was loud, but it is loud here too. Loud with chirping birds and busy squirrels.
The city was alive, sometimes at least, but it is alive here too.

Gardens are alive, downtown shops and tennis courts are alive.

And I am more alive than ever.