the fossil record
<<23>>
Bulletin
For
Rupert J. Deese (1924-2010)
Our emblems of merit,
All overboard.
Their perfect gravity
Draws them
To the bottom of the sea.
They will speak
To the rare beam of light
That meets the ocean floor
From time to time,
Or not.
Follow them, and drown.
Remember them
And be checked at every step
By a force no one can see.
Forget them, if you can
Imagine that forgetting sets us free.
Above
Remain what common gems
May guide a sailor's course
Across the sea.
R. S. Deese