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 Jack Spicer (1925–1965) was born in Hollywood, educated at Berkeley, and died in San Francisco. During his short but prolific life he published and self-published numerous books, which have become increasingly influential since his death. This fall Wesleyan University Press is publishing My Vocabulary Did This to Me: The Collected Poetry of Jack Spicer. Email a friend >> Printable version >> |
A Second Train Song for Gary
When the trains come into strange cities
The citizens come out to meet the strangers.
I love you, Jack, he said
I love you, Jack, he said
At another station.
When passengers come in from strange cities
The citizens come out to help the strangers.
I love you too, I said
I love you too, I said
From another station.
The citizens are kind to passing strangers
And nourish them and kiss their lips in kindness.
I walk the unbelieving streets
I walk the unbelieving streets
In a strange city.
At night in cold new beds the welcomed strangers
Achieve in memory the city's promise.
I wake in love with you
I wake in love with you
At last year's station.
Then say goodbye to citizens and city
Admit this much—that they were kind to strangers.
I leave my love with you
I leave my love with you
In this strange city. |
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