works by william pham, 2005-present

index | poetry | fiction

Archimedes

We are pulleys, ropes, and levers;
Archimedes, build us -- bend us -- break us
(We do it to ourselves already)
Already all the time
In libraries -- in bookshelves stacked
Upon each other and upon each other
Leaning in senseless networks because
The systems are always failing.

The concept of connection between
One person and another is an elephant
Standing in the mud, will you worship it,
Will you stab its eyes, shoot its heart,
Rip out your tusks and put them on
Display, display your pulleys, your
Ropes and levers.
We do it to ourselves already.

I reached into my throat and grasped
The thick cord that held everything together
And when I pulled I pulled the sound of a bell
Into my mouth, gasping for air,
It was gasping for air, so what then,
What difference between I and a bell,
Other than the curvature of our shells?

None at all, Archimedes said, he said so well,
Across the table to Camus and a bell.

copyright (c) 2007 by william pham