I think I've seen these "channels of meander", it's like estuaries on bark.
the fourth line is quite a subtle setup, the dampness of a wet day is
exactly what brings to mind crawlies that come out to it; worms,
caterpillars, beetles. "made audible" made me shiver a tiny bit.
"kiss" & "sucking breath" is a good link, otherwise "kiss-drip" would
be rather too detached.
I love how, despite the title referring to them, the mention of
"beetles" is sudden & a little shocking even; just like the feeling of
actually spotting one.
"cravings ... carvings" is cleverrrr.
I'd never heard the word 'entasis' before, thanks for teaching it to
me. a fascinating concept, though maybe not quite suited to the
end-image. (even though "temple", implying 'tower', would justify it)
I really dislike the final line. I see the connection to the shapes &
the movements of the bark & of the poem and the connection to water,
but the way it's phrased here is jarring. it's something that Yvonne
Vera would write.
Caleb, I was originally going to send you a b/c gush about how much I
love your work & how much it exhilerates me, but I think I can do it
with composure.
I FUCKING LOVE IT.
KS
On 09/05/07, Caleb Cluff <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Inscribed along a tree branch length,
> they have fluted the flesh of the tree, made
> inverted veins, perfect channels of meander.
>
> This stillness, following rain.
> The earth's processes made audible:
> kiss-drip of water from leaves
>
> and deeper, the soil sucking breath
> like a diver rising to the surface
> after a dream, or a nightmare, of moisture.
>
> These beetles, their sawdust cravings and ineluctable carvings
> smothered in bark, turn in darkness. I hadn't seen it
>
> but in morning's entasis a fallen temple of timber
> is shining! and far beneath, the river.
>
> Caleb Cluff
> Majorca, Vic
> 09/05/07
>
>
>
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