We came together at the Poetry Salon. Some of us came “for the food”. Most of us didn’t know much about Muriel Rukeyser.
We began with eating–an important communal experience–then sat down and listened to Muriel read. Her recorded voice came through loud and strong from the speaker.
Sydney Clemens brought a book of Muriel’s poems. Jack O’Neil borrowed a few from the library. I had some print-outs from the computer. We honored the poet by reading her work.
Stephanie Manning brought out a cake. After Muriel’s dark poem Absalom we all needed some sweetness in our mouths.
Here’s one that will bring a smile:
Myth
Long afterward, Oedipus, old and blinded, walked the
roads. He smelled a familiar smell. It was
the Sphinx. Oedipus said, ‘I want to ask one question.
Why didn’t I recognize my mother?’ ‘You gave the
wrong answer,’ said the Sphinx. ‘But that was what
made everything possible,’ said Oedipus. ‘No,’ she said.
‘When I asked, What walks on four legs in the morning,
two at noon, and three in the evening, you answered,
Man. You didn’t say anything about woman.’
‘When you say Man,’ said Oedipus, ‘you include women
too. Everyone knows that.’ She said, ‘That’s what
you think.’
