Who even said I was a poet. Because I write

this down. I want bullet-like speed and precision

to show that this mind connects in ways of delight, and

also says truth way beyond the individual voice.

Thus I speak from the holy story, the ordinary story.

Thus I am married to the household gods, thus I aspire

to be the consort of heaven. Thus I am sad when the earth

is from me. We sleep together again. In no way will I

part from this union. And the sky who is my father

opens the world of the golden kingdom.

                                    Even if I repeat what others say,

it becomes mine.

The famous Utah mountains embroidered in gold, russet

& pink.

                                    LET YOURSELF GO.

One thinks ‘the obvious’. You say it sounds so obvious.

I wanted to do something I called writing.

                                                I think you have done it

                                                It’s finished now.

                                                It’s a new map

                                                      in a delicate space

                                                For what once was growing there.

                                                                                    Fall 1972

—Joanne Kyger from Just Space