Clinical Thermometer Set with Moonstone
By Alice Notley
I don’t have any sentiments
would somebodything thirst my quench
how about
about my mediocrity of character? I dance
with the dead divinely
in my dreams
I’m stricken deaf when I mention it my babies
cry they want everything quick! here. un-
mentioned
as character should be
like the purpurine it needs must be carved in,
please
Have you heard of the roguess elephant with the
brilliant diamond eyes? She is the puppet
of the dictionary
where is her beautiful orange
juice?
puppy foot!
When your father dies
he doesn’t let you swoon
into aventurine or spray
of lily (pearls) of the valley
you do not bifurcate
you may
supplicate
play yourself to your camp heroine
self—play it Lady play
It
but delete no matter
thank you for breakfast
today we will visit with the ear syringe
be the current density
honey flower
ice egg
I love you as a fan loves air. oops it’s I
vice-versa I
told you about that
character
She is a bezel
awaiting the plop of a
ruby she must grow
chronically
and I can’t end and I can’t lie
here
He held him in his own heart then
may I in my eye now me
Copyright Credit: Alice Notley, “Clinical Thermometer Set with Moonstone” from Alice Ordered Me to Be Made (Yellow Press Books, 1976). Copyright © 1976 by Alice Notley. Reprinted with the permission of the author.
Source: Alice Ordered Me to Be Made (Yellow Press Books, 1976)