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PAGE Howard FISCH
IMMODERATE LOVE, SIX QUINTETS,
SUNG WITH GUSTO
l Full House
ll Greetings
lll At Anchor Bank
lV Damn Dreams
V Things Looking Up
Vl Bronx Oracle
l.
When I saw you with the type who took my
place
I died. I thought
only to be lucky to stand at your grave.
I'd throw myself on top of that box and pump my body, splintered into
next world, because a full house without our pair is no hand at all,
ll.
What are the terms of abuse?
"I'm warning you. I'm getting mad.
You asked for it."
Does Hallmark sell such cards?
St. Valentine behind bars?
lll.
The receptionist, fanning the flames, said, "The angel of death is all
tied up."
"My moral credit's impaired, kind of, "I said. I'd like to refinance
my love-life
and bring down the premium on wife-beating." "No problem, my pleasure,
" she
said. I see a family education situation here. Wife co-signs.
When other gods say no, we say yiss."
lV.
In dreams, I see your Chevy upside down, wheels spinning.
I bend over at great risk, the gas tank could explode and fry me.
I jimmy open the door, unhook the safety belt, drag you free, and give you CPR.
Sad, shit, not to be. The driver's door is jar-jammed open, harness dangling
loose.
You jump free, cushioned on soft shoulder, rolled, landed on a fat haystack.
Damn yew.
V.
The six leading indicators are up:
moist arched lips, hot deep breathing,
intense interest, heightened arousal,
attenuated defense, ex plangent sniffles
are at play in the fields of my love.
Vl
I sought redemption from the Oracle working Davidson Avenue and 176th Street.
Sappho said, "Good you come. Boychik, I've got a girl to burn you.
You're homeboy, she's country. Study agronomy, memorize:
'I watch bikini,
I grow zucchini.' "