Works and Days of Division – 29 poems by Martyn Crucefix
Drawing on two disparate sources, this sequence of mongrel-bred poems has been written to respond to the historical moment in this most disunited kingdom. Hesiod’s Works and Days – probably the oldest poem in the Western canon – is a poem driven by a dispute between brothers. The so-called vacana poems originate in the bhakti religious protest movements in 10-12th century India. Through plain language, repetition and refrain, they offer praise to the god, Siva, though they also express personal anger, puzzlement, even despair. Dear reader – if you like what you find here, please share the poems as widely as you can (no copyright restrictions). Or follow this blog for future postings. Bridges need building.
Thursday 7.03.2019
‘days of over-turning the warmed earth’
days of over-turning the warmed earth
with a spade
each clod a rip in the moonlight
whether you propagate successfully or not
convalescent hours lost gazing into the woods
whether you see the trees
whether you see a particular tree
whether you find the snow falling there or not
hours spent carefully broadcasting lures
attempting long lines
choosing short lines
whether you deceive successfully or not
and cold nights ripened with strings of kisses
long kisses short kisses
whether you find them remotely arousing
or not a trouble of urgencies
in the speaking in the writing in the posting
of every comment whether
it’s read or not whether anyone likes or not
whether you accepted the cookies or not
whether the privacy agreement was signed or not
all the bridges are down
Martyn Crucefix 