Study how the child offers a flower
then takes it back, sincere in both actions;
the ancient ones’ Norte Chico tower
in Peru,
how carvings seek reactions
to adoring nature. Survey Monte
Alban’s site plan, its palace and ball court.
What do you know now? What does the past say?
Excavate your values. Tell me what sort
of language you speak, how its images
connect us, lace our intimate fiber
as the Washoe weaved baskets for ages
by Lake Tahoe. How now by
the Tiber
they still speak of Caesar. How in all lands
we seem to signal care with open hands.
Roger Armbrust
September 6, 2012
