Wittgenstein’s ladder,
no help in reaching the shelf
dialectic reserved for: big kids only
serrated teardrop
set in the frame
John Cage’s laugh
—black liquid
expelled to confuse predators
the woman reporting numbness
right side of the face
Situationist aphasia
Judith Butler asking desire to pay its half of the bill
kid on subway
coughs directly
into air
numbness still present
when the bouquet of flowers arrives
—ontology,
always a frugal traveler
Joseph Beuys’
fishing vest
carry medicine carry magic
Prospero served
from
felted flap
the woman
halved at breast
beveled oval
body part
Romans believed
could secrete
the divine
not sad said
Louise offers a handkerchief
black lacquered silk