Errata Poem by Charles Simic

Errata

Rating: 4.0


Where it says snow
read teeth-marks of a virgin
Where it says knife read
you passed through my bones
like a police-whistle
Where it says table read horse
Where it says horse read my migrant's bundle
Apples are to remain apples
Each time a hat appears
think of Isaac Newton
reading the Old Testament
Remove all periods
They are scars made by words
I couldn't bring myself to say
Put a finger over each sunrise
it will blind you otherwise
That damn ant is still stirring
Will there be time left to list
all errors to replace
all hands guns owls plates
all cigars ponds woods and reach
that beer-bottle my greatest mistake
the word I allowed to be written
when I should have shouted
her name

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Maggie Garavaglia 30 March 2009

The use of the 'common' language to express full, and profound thoughts is done so well, so originally. A few lines stumble, but very few. This is craftsmanship in the best sense of the word

6 2 Reply
Michael Cahill 27 September 2007

my girlfriend sent me this. your line about periods being the scars of words is absolutely original and wonderful. original is very rare. thank you.

5 2 Reply
Roberta Star 03 August 2007

Powerful, takes my breath away

4 2 Reply
Marina Gipps 17 March 2007

i am a fan as i was once his student...this poem is most definitely a departure...

4 3 Reply
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