D a w n C o r r i g a n
Lecture Notes
Just between the two of us:
our language must offer more
than it can possibly deliver.
It’s not dirty silence clarified
but silence made still dirtier
by words we throw out
without overcoats or cabfare.
They don’t expect to meet us again
but don’t seem to care.
Whenever these words are said
they’re sad, and since I’ve said them,
I’m responsible for them
as I’m responsible for the Rolls that’s passing,
the driver dressed all in black
except for silver gloves.
Notice the three figures in back,
shadowy as they bounce on the seat
and strum their small instruments.
“Lecture Notes” is a found poem taken from things Mark Strand said in an undergrad poetry survey course he taught during the Winter 1993 quarter at the University of Utah, which I audited at his invitation. RIP
