Second Reckoning, poems by P.J. Laska, 1997
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Second Reckoning
Hill travel
sets the sun
more than
once before
evening
settles in
valley fogs
of November
dissolving
all things
distinct
sky & shadow
shifting
boundary
and core
congruent
in form
connected
in fact
old world
new world
turned
back to back
deformity
by excess
of conformity
top heavy
pyramid
apex
sinking
the base
freshly obsolete
former geniuses
downsized to
franchise
platonism of
perfect things
downsized to
new & improved
celebrity
the hope
solidarity
impaired
each crow
protecting
its perch
self and secret
self divided
senses taxed
identity faxed
effortless
living’s
endless
effort
eclipsing
the goal
repetition
depression
snapping
confirmed
psychopharm
vending
altered
states
deluxe dreaming
with models
gated enclaves
of escape
virtual world
enhanced
earth links
infirm
power cult
calculations
can’t make
it plain
no gain
in balance
no balance
in gain
hill travel’s
no place for
cruise control
ambient
fog in
the hollows
erases signs
altering
directions
imprinted
in mind
when poetry
is free
possibilities
are new
ridge top
vistas
come into
view.
—(Excerpted from Second Reckoning, P.J. Laska. Igneus Press (1997))
