Pat Pittman

GOING OUTSIDE WHILE LISTENING TO MUSIC

in memory of George Clark

the serenity of deep green hills in the near distance
the clarity and spaciousness of perfect blue sky
and the spirit like a lark ascending

sharp shaft of green and blue light
striking me between heart and navel
staggering me back, unable to breathe
and I remember one who must have seen
this same vision in a high Sierra meadow
filled with flower light when he cried,
guys, I could die right here—and then he did

—from Rattle #21, Summer 2004