Variation on a Theme by Mary Oliver
Andrew Szilvasy “All warfare is based on deception,” said Percy, my newly edified dog, after eating Sun Tzu’s delectable pages. He’d bark out “One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant” at parties, and we’d win favor and treats, and once, a lovely red head. “Speed is the essence of war,” he reminded me that night. Soon, though, when you throw a tennis ball, you want it returned slimy with that doggy slobber, want it chased with gusto, Rather than to be slyly questioned: “A leader leads by example not by force.” You want dumb, eager eyes rather than the truth. |
|
About the Author:
Andrew teaches British Literature outside of Boston, and has poems appearing or forthcoming in CutBank, Smartish Pace,” Barrow Street, Permafrost, and The American Journal of Poetry, among others. He lives in Boston with his wife.
Andrew teaches British Literature outside of Boston, and has poems appearing or forthcoming in CutBank, Smartish Pace,” Barrow Street, Permafrost, and The American Journal of Poetry, among others. He lives in Boston with his wife.