Collection Plate
to Romare Beardon

We take doctrine
particulate,
pocket-money

in nomine Patris
who begets
a settled mind

its own occasion
without predicate,
grammar,

and a period.
Time compounded
fastens the difference

with a lick.
A gummy envelope
holds heaven

and earth,
a note
and a song.

— Gregory J. Ott (© 2008)



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