October 8, 2024

Note: This week’s writing is composed entirely of lines from emails I’ve sent over the past few days. 

backstage

Good morning, poets! The word of the day is “dramaturgy.” 
You can have your choice of work to read when you’re ready. 
It’s possible the theater will be purchasing some of these things, 
but I’m trying to cover my bases for a good turnout. That comes 
with its own complications, of course, like a blank page 
with a byline. But you know what you’re doing. Home, a room, 
food—when it comes down to this (and maybe it always does), 
that’s what’s on the table. A live experience is not for the fainthearted.
This is what has been with me all day. What is in my domain. 
The beach to the right of the parking lot. The harbor.
There are other ways I might inhabit my life with my eyes wide open,
even if the text will appear very small and be difficult to read. 
But I can come as early as needed to help with chairs. Put my nose
to the earth. Sniff my way forward. Feel the whirr of hope stirring 
backstage, putting on its apron.