Sales Call

by James Heller Levinson

I am in time and out of time
a molecule fractured a presence hovering
above nullity a scream in the dark
silenced by the vacuum of death a paradox
stripped to confusion a riddle
empty of revelation gone
belly-up it was a bad day
at Black Rock there is
cause for concern but not despair
mother I couldn't do this to you again
one jolt is enough for a lifetime
there is solidarity divine architecture
a pure white I march with the dead
my brown boots a high polish dazzles the eyes
receives attention the dead are
certain in their ways and go
on forever no misstepping
How Am I Driving?
I reel with life and sing to the dead
the dead cobble my chant my vital organs
pinned to the clothesline searing

to the beat of summer heat
so when I
come to your door
to solicit purchase
if you are not inclined
say no
gently