That the body can conduct its choir

of heavy robes the concert of the mind

winter branches budding into praise

& the coda opens
its mouth
of longing—

in wait for the arms to drop.

My body is always doing
what it promises not to do –

The night seizures
with light—

though no thunder
marks the storm.

This Thursday coLAB Arts is hosting an opening event for the month long show, “Waving to Solidarity,” featuring one of the Johnsonville’s former artist contributors, Dave Peters. Below you will find the Press Release for the event. We hope that you will attend the event, or visit the gallery during the month long showing in support of coLAB and the Johnsonville’s own, Dave Peters.

He came early in the backseat:
She still splayed like shock; like love;
like the chrysalis mid-metamorphic climax.

As when you wake, slowly
with tender simplicity:

a yawn, a stretch
of sinew and bone.

Drinking cold fruit juice out of tall, thin glasses – we bought them (the glasses) at the thrift store in Elizabeth – sweet mango flesh on her face and hands and wrists – the kitchen thick with burnt-butter smoke and the box fan whirlingwhirlingwhirling on the trashcan near the open window – Chuck’s silvery, hot blister bubbling on the back of his hand – a cast-iron skillet mishap – lovingly rounded slabs of vegan country fried steak on paper Christmas plates – in March, no less – a steady and …

The sun is leaking!
The lake is overflowing!
Should we call someone?
 
Space curves different
On each side of my glasses.
Not what Einstein meant, though.
 
Why put flowers on sills?
Why not on other things?
Oh wait. Dumb question.
 
In America,
We know cereal by its sound.
When it’s poured, I mean.
 
The trees look friendly.
Hey, don’t the trees look friendly?
The trees look friendly.
 
This coffee table
Has scratches painted on it!
Jesus Christ! Décor!

For years you’ve been left there on the oak tree
by the fence. I’ve seen the flurry of squirrels
in spring cling at your feet, claw your bared
torso and climb the height of birds. Absurd

A River of Feeling

For Caridad Svich

You taught me to shake violently
when the moment is right