kuwait, fall 1986 - shortwave reception

another clear bright sunny day
high temperatures in the low 100s
low humidity, calm sea
wind from the southeast

shelling of Iraq and Iran continues
artillery rattles widows
quiet Friday streets
workers have a day off

children in their pajamas play chess on roof
goldfish swim in fresh water, clear round bowl
coffee boils in silver container

this is a perfect world

a perceptible fragment hangs
from the edge of our consciousness
chanting

Tibetan prayer flags
flutter at 13,467 feet
climbing their worn fibers
toward vultures eating human remains
decomposing into their softness
digested physical sensations
stillness

Polish prisoners to be released
while Norwegian demonstrators
and meteors collide with thought control
authorities in Oslo monsoon winter climate

silent vigils, economic editors
ticker tape watchers
parades before hijackers dismantle
unknown security apparatus
lies and propaganda

bionic beheaded barefoot
homo sapian wavering as a butterfly

fluttering, falling, flying
through the mystery
becoming one with light

intense connection and interaction
impermanence
sensation
designed to sharpen focus
concentration allows centering of chi

this phenomenon, quite remarkable this purity