Just a few little things from Ken Koch

Aesthetics of Paul Valéry

Being a single line that I have worked on
Than a whole epic dictated by the Muse!
Better to walk, even lost, in my own direction--and find the way.
If not...not count the day.


Aesthetics of Saying Goodbye to a Friend

Walk him to the place
Where he can get a taxi
And say good-bye
If he is wearing an overcoat
Place one hand
On his shoulder--or if he is not.
Shake hands, embrace
Your friend and say good-bye
Soon the sky
Will cover him
With only a plane between


Aesthetics of Being a Bird

Eat brusquely
With a half-closed mouth;
When another speaks, glance up
But don't respond.
After you have eaten
Take off
And sing
Portuguese songs--a fado, if you please!


To Knowledge, My Skeleton, and an Aesthetic Concept

We're sitting around, as usual
Hotcha-nothing-to-do sort of summer
Afternoon-evening and you, Skeleton, aching a little
Ask for a song
From An Aesthetic Concept. You, Concept, explain
That no songs today but, rather, discussion
Of you and they say
What do you think, Knowledge? You
Lounging in a corner, pull up your knees
To your robust chest and say Listen
To both parts and make a conclusion.
A few friends are dropping over
As lazy as we. I say Knowledge your answer didn't
Make very much sense and you say
(To Skeleton) Have some tortellini. It's
Good for you. And Aesthetic Concept
You're humming a tune that in some ways bears yourself out.
I go out to get some coffee and Skeleton
You with me. You say, you know, Knowledge
Is knowledge but all the same
It would be good to hear a song don't you agree
It would help get some of these cricks out of me.
Skeleton, Concept, and Knowledge, all on a summer's day
Turned evening thirty-five years ago
When gin drinks were still popular, the acanthus was blossoming
And each of you said what you felt you had to say
No matter the consequences either to head or to heart.