Adrienne Rich — For June in the Year 2001

The world’s quiver and shine I’d clasp for you forever jetty vanishing into pearlwhite mist western sunstruck water-light Touch food to the lips let taste never betray you cinnamon vanilla melting on apple tart but what you really craved: a potency of words Driving back from Berkeley 880’s brute dystopia I was at war with words Later on C-Span: Tallahassee: words straight to the point: One person, one vote No justice, no peace it could lift you by the hair it could move you like a wind it could take you by surprise as sudden Canada geese took us by the marina poised necks and alert attitudes of pause Almost home I wanted you to smell the budding acacias tangled with eucalyptus on the road to Santa Cruz