Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AFTER IKKYU: 43 by JAMES HARRISON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE WORLD IS WRENCHED ON HER PIVOT, SHIVERING. POLITICIANS
Last Line: "PAY ATTENTION"" -- BUDDHA NODDING FROM THE WINGS."

The world is wrenched on her pivot, shivering. Politicians
and preachers are standing on their heads, shitting
out of their mouths. Lucky for us Stephen Mitchell
has restored the Gospels, returning the Jesus
I imagined at fourteen, offering up my clumsy life
in a damp shroud of hormones. Most of all he said,
"Pay attention" -- Buddha nodding from the wings.



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