Howard Nemerov: Все стихи поэта

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An introductory lecture

This morning we shall spend a few minutes

Upon the study of symbolism, which is basic

To the nature of money. I show you this nickel.

Icons and cryptograms are written all over

The nickel: one side shows a hunchbacked bison

Bending his head and curling his tail to accommodate

The circular nature of money. Over him arches

Two universes mosey down the street

Connected by love and a leash and nothing else.

Mostly I look at lamplight through the leaves

While he mooches along with tail up and snout down,

Getting a secret knowledge through the nose

Almost entirely hidden from my sight.

We stand while he's enraptured by a bush

Till I can't stand our standing any more