Fish of Chaos

October 26

FISH OF CHAOS

Out of chaos come very tiny fish, well, maybe not fish but a very swimmy feeling.  How can I go around with my feet off the ground, my mind racing on a squirrel cage?  Breathing helps, breathing is someplace to start.  Once I get breathing regularly, I can gingerly probe with one foot for a place to stand.  The chaos may race around and past my legs like so many eels on a summer’s evening, but with time and practice I can step from this current as well.  Out of chaos come very tiny fish, but I can come out, too.

Wring out every drop from your books.

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Circuit Speaker

It isn’t until I listen long to the Northside poet

that I realize there is such a thing as a Chicago accent.

I hear it as I never have before.

I don’t hear it in my beloved Rodger,

hear only the hope he brings to share.

As I get ready to walk to the podium

I wish that no one hears the Jersey in my voice

only the experience I bring to share.