reflections on desoying my kayak
		-------------------------------------------------------------

		ah yes, i said reflections -- the windows i sparkled
		clean you know that clear purple liquid
		used up every bit of evening sun we got
		shining into my plate
		glass into my nonstreaking
		wiping arms and my shining face

		pristine glass -- no soy sauce

		kneeling here in my living room
		the big tuna the big fish the big blue-gray pontoon
		my stiff limp inflatable kayak tough and crinkly
		a cloth -- damp -- in hand -- parents left it here
		a shred of a t-shirt baby blue -- the glitter is still
		on it after 22 years:  g e n e s i s. 
		a.  trick.  of.  the.  tail.  handle, squonk.
		here's the british flag.
		bought two in front of the auditorium on roosevelt
		where now they show le miserables or saigon

		desoying my kayak on the 30th floor to the noise of
		saturday night live of no particular distinction
		except for the cute singer girl
		the distinct ones are dead.  gilda...

		taking soy sauce off by genesis has-been t-shirt
		& orderliness is coming back.  i used to be a surgical
		orderly.   i used to love kimberly.  i used to do
		so many things at once.  

		this kayak.  that girl.  that lake monroe evening with
		her.  on the water.  that another.  with another her.

		that hot day on the prairie when kayak in the back seat
		while i talked inside.  what is governing my life.  & wife?

		my kayak is clean now.  my living room is getting there.
		my new piano is gorgeous and i can play close enough

		for government work.


			Marek Lugowski
			7 March 1998 (my mom's bday!)
			Chicago, Illinois