Writing Borges

My grandfather was God. That’s easier to say than it should be.
But what is God, apart from the ones who worship Him?

A loneliness beyond ideals, beyond Borges, beyond even
those thin Histories that remember Shakespeare.

You see I’ve fallen into your voice again
which speaks to me slower than time and memory.

I only wish to set something free in the world
—the Dignity of the Law—at it seems you did.

Morning Herald

Unruly elements
have a home here.
Some rub shoulders
with the devil
himself.
Most just
pace themselves, and
take what they can.
We must not forget
those who
stand aside
and jeer and mock.

– 142 –

Exercise

Slip your mind
into a more comfortable gear
lean right back
and relax into it
dream of the Benefit.

Just think of Opotiki
located
between
poverty and plenty.