frame you by Richard PaezI should have never tried
to frame you (but
It was the only way
[I knew how to feel
(At the time)])
I still trace your outlines
A fingertips' length at a time
Woodcarvings and linoleum tiles
Inkblots and tattoos
Synapses and prayer beads
A lover's outline
Where does this curve lead?
(where do you stop
[and I begin]?)
Where does the painter lay
The first mark?
Or is it always
Already there?
In ways, I'm still Euclidian
Counting down degrees
Cutting angles
Frustrated without formulas
Measuring by metrics
Fitting life to theorems
Till there's nothing left to live
In ways nothing but an architect
Fitting form to function
Following the laws of economy
Of Balance and gravity
But I've grown
Learned to love spirals
Immeasurable organics
The will of god in godlessness
The thrill of dice
tossed from goblets
I should have never tried to frame you
But it was the only way
In ways
And by degrees:
It's time to start again.
Now where do we begin?
02/15/2008 Author's Note: [...always already...]
Posted on 02/15/2008 Copyright © 2025 Richard Paez
Member Comments on this Poem |
Posted by George Hoerner on 02/15/08 at 02:08 PM I love this and I can't put my finger on why. But it is a really great write! |
Posted by Ava Blu on 02/16/08 at 10:50 PM It's wonderful to see new words from you, love. |
Posted by Ryan Nardi on 04/01/08 at 12:21 AM Yes. There is a co-existing formula and spontaneity about this. Lots of conversational/intimate elements, but there is no lack of metaphor. Really well crafted and a pleasure to read. |
Posted by Betania Tesch on 07/12/08 at 03:47 AM Glad to see you're still putting loveliness out into the world. Though this, perhaps, is a little less lovely than difficult. I'd love to hear more about these ideas, and how you are. |
Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 03/30/09 at 03:03 PM Congrats on POTD! I love the graceful shapes and figures of this. |
Posted by Glenn Currier on 08/08/09 at 05:41 PM I know an artist who does block prints and I have seen him do them - so my mind and my mind's eye were particularly alive as I read this. The thing I liked most about the poem, however, is this: "Or is it always / Already there?" Very thoughtful and thought-provoking.
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