· Opening: Art of Tom Hefko · 



    Passage

Catfish Cookers

i.
Chill and steady
Eats the north wind
Our unknown remnant hopes of
Ease:

The fire's hot,
But we're not.

Let's cash this cold,
Just as it gets dark,
Let's fix our food
Inside.

While these coals
Get ready
Out here.


ii.
Out we go
Fat catfish body
Held gamely in foil
With sweet onions and garlic
Sweet potatoes
Roast aside it.

Rice in Leeza's kitchen!

Cold has set in.
We're coaxing our own
Warmth from lying and lying,
Lying around and smiling.

Tonight the moon is so small and bright,
We'll raise our glasses
For the refrain,
(with restraint),
And honor this quiet night
With laughing.



posted 2002, November 28
Madison, Wisconsin



 · Opening: Art of Tom Hefko ·