Norman Fischer

A compendium of words was stored here Just underneath the chimney I’d like to see it that way Fortune won’t stand still for that And pressure of the air flattens paper I’d like to see it that way One comes into the room groomed, a pleasure There’s a patch of glitter in the glamor I’d like to see it that way Each moment opens up sudden as an umbrella On a day storms gather like wool A way I’d really like to see it So you can’t assume a face again Before the non-face puts in its appearance Nor can you push at the door expecting satisfaction on the other side I’d like to see it that way Many’s the time and time for reflection Truer than truth the subject’s interconnections I’d like to see it that way I was born on a day absolutely unique in world history Birds grasp their path in air I’d like to see it that way It’s standard to pack half a dozen at a clip Imagine the red thing yours alone at last I’d like to see it that way The image almost takes shape superimposed As a mist on top of ordinary daily objects I’d like to see it that way Life goes on forever like a dusty road Down which we peer as we drink a glass of water I’d like to see it that way We return again and again born into wombs The shape of inverted ice cream cones I’d like to see it that way So I could relax, put on my enormous suit And ring your doorbell holding my breath and flowers I’d like to see it that way In order to be able to end war but Would war ever end or would my wanting To end it ever end if nothing ever ended I’d like to see it that way Everything is standing up and falling down again Constantly like hair in wind I’d like to see it that way For the good of the nation behind bars For my own good bundled up into piles I’d like to see it that way I blow continuously on this thing the landscape Crumples around me like a felt hat I’d like to see it that way But the problem is I put out my hand And only clutch air wanting to understand I’d like to see it some way Any way so long as I could know it was there And could pull back the covers at will To reveal my heart’s desire and measure it I’d like to see it that way