Merwin Poem by RIC BASTASA

there is no oxygen in the university
like there is in the house
beside a hill
where the river flows
and some birds sing

yet you too miss the city
and you go back there
and live a life
of both
city and rural
like a pendulum
to and fro

all because poetry
tells you to do so

flowers and poles and clouds and skyscrapers
and waterfalls and
citystreets and cafes by the side
and then back to
a picnic with wife and kids
on the grass and plains