Silt Poem by Stephen Burt
Silt
Things you know but can't say,
the sort of things, or propositions
that build up week after week at the end of the day,
& have to be dredged
by the practical operators so that their grosser cargo
& barges & boxy schedules can stay.
The great shovels and beaks and the rolling gantries
of Long Beach, and of Elizabeth, New Jersey,
can keep their high and rigorous distinction
between on-time and late, between work and play.
"Since you excluded me, I will represent you,
not meanly but generously, with an attention
that is itself
a revenge, since it shows that I know you
better than you have ever known yourselves,
that if I could never have learned
how to be you, nor how to be
somebody you'd like to be very near, nevertheless
you could not do without me, or keep me away."
Well written, poignant and a joy to read. Thanks for sharing, Stephen Peace
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/23/2024 11:13:24 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Aloha Stephen... And welcome to the ph.c I thank you for allowing US this fine thought provoking first post... and I trust you will have many more to offer... I, have found a bit of thought within your words... Loads of Sludge ...things, or propositions at the end of the day have to be dredged between work and play not meanly but generously that I know you; better For I, have learned how to be very near; you... Word work is an enterprising endeavor... for some... but worth for an individual reader may result in more words from your words worth... perhaps as is the case here... I do so appreciate the thoughts which arrived from my perusal of your post... All of the best from this life, to you, and all of your relations... Michaelw1two