The Yard Dance 3

This is a story from my New York City life during the late 50's. I was getting a Master's, riding the subways to work and classes at NYU. I saw Moondog standing in a trance on a street corner - probably in Midtown somewhere. He stood positively still, eyes closed, holding his "stave" in front of him - possibly for balance. My conservative self thought he was magical, a creature from way out - he wore an all green outfit that appeared to be in triangles. I was fascinated. Later I learned that he was a musician and I bought his LP. A year or so after, I was boarding a very crowded subway. As I groped for balance, I grabbed a pole. There was a small murmur from other passengers - into my horror I discovered that the passenger seated in front of me was also holding the pole and it was Moondog. I tried to apologize, but he made no movement and didn't say anything. I guess he was in a trance.

august day

her hands were bright and rough with so much gleaning
when I saw them again in late day
they were swallows darting
into the ledge of clay cliffs
knitting light into their
soft dark caves

I bang, I bang, I bang