Don Yorty

My Heart by Nicolas

A poem in English written by someone whose first language isn’t English is often very beautiful with other skin over its bones. Like many of my students in China, Nicolas is a scientist. He’s going to Paris soon to … Continue reading →

On Passion by Richard He

21 Jul ’10

… This little poem with the fewest words possible says it all. … You see it raining and rushing Like beasts, and roaring You tremble at it and pray It keeps on pouring. … … Continue reading →

After the Rain: 7/20/10

20 Jul ’10

… Today it started to rain and thunder and then it stopped. After class, puddles were everywhere as I walked to my favorite restaurant. It was closed. For good. The man keeping guard in the gutted space spoke Chinese of … Continue reading →

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17 Jul ’10

… Grass, flowers and some tiny trees have grown through all the cracks and crevices of the bleachers on the Olympic Field. What does this mean? That no one sits here anymore to watch a game? If I had more … Continue reading →

First blog from Wuhan: 7/17/10

16 Jul ’10

… Good morning. I am in Wuhan, China at Wuhan University teaching American Cultural Studies and a workshop on English poetry, or I should say poetry that is written in English. I am planning to write daily (or almost daily) … Continue reading →

A Walk in the South Mountain, Early Spring

4 Jul ’10

… News in the world seems pretty bad these days, but spring is coming here to the South Mountain. Not really any blossoms yet, but there are some hard buds on the tips of the branches. No dandelions to dig … Continue reading →

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4 Jul ’10

… In the devastating cold early spring I watch the vultures glide from one side of The sky to the other. There’s a stalk of Dried up milkweed leaning over a log Uprooted with half a pod still on whose … Continue reading →

Shadows On The Rocks

24 Jun ’10

… Whether we want to admit it or not we are only shadows on the rocks. “Yes,” says the cricket. “Yes,” says the mouse. “You are only shadows on the rocks.” “No,” says the blossom wanting to come out. “No,” … Continue reading →

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24 Jun ’10

… My nephew has long fingers that can spread To B major where the B major is: You only learn guitar by playing it And Daniel’s been more dedicated Than I have but I keep playing the chords I know … Continue reading →

152

24 Jun ’10

… There was a brilliant bright light spreading on the water contagious as fire but just as I went to write about it it wasn’t there anymore. For a whole month in China I lugged all my stuff over my … Continue reading →

151

24 Jun ’10

… 151 My feet are resting in the alfalfa. Bumblebees cover and bend the blossoms even further down than the warm wind is blowing through them. Out on the water reflected transitory clouds turn light into shadows over me and … Continue reading →

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7 Jun ’10

… for Rosa Parks Out of the ordinary there will come From time to time the good and very brave Extraordinary, someone who can save Us from our own damned selves and make us one Humanity. Children take Rosa Parks … Continue reading →