Song

Leo Cruz makes the most beautiful white bowls; I think I must get some to you but how is the question in these times He is teaching me the names of the desert grasses; I have a book since to see the grasses is impossible Leo thinks the things man makes are more beautiful than what exists in nature and I say no. And Leo says wait and see. We make plans to walk the trails together. When, I ask him, when? Never again: that is what we do not say. He is teaching me to live in imagination: a cold wind blows as I cross the desert; I can see his house in the distance; smoke is coming from the chimney That is the kiln, I think; only Leo makes porcelain in the desert Ah, he says, you are dreaming again And I say then I’m glad I dream the fire is still alive Louise Gluck