A phonograph
or
an object
more poetic
say
a Victrola
a metronome
accordion
a Dictaphone
whatever the device
you're in there
pulling wires
plunking keys
blowing wolf tones
anything to skunk up the works
and if I were smart
I'd brace myself
for your ghostly visit
your
attempt to cramp
my style
to drag me clawing
gnashing
to the junkyard of naked language
to make me face
the paint and music
like you always did
but there's a problem
it's small
but very significant
I don't believe in ghosts
nor do I think you
to be one
and if you do come
it won't to by the light
of a beastly moon
nor will you be bathed
in spooky green
glowing paint
but
with a presence
better than the one I knew you by
one with
even more depth
and perception
and you will
bear
just a soft
new brush
fresh cans
of paint
simple
nothing more
nothing less
© Whit Howland 2019
Meh! It was important to write this in my own style and my own words so it was not an homage to Robert Creeley.
