Thursday, October 3, 2019

MAINSPRING

When Joe tied a tie with his eyes shut
The ends came out exactly even.
He was bent but worked hard
To seem reliable, respectable.
He could fix any watch or clock.
(His set of beautifully precise tools
Were, I think, for show. I've seen him
Fix broken watches with a butter knife
And some matchsticks.) He knew he'd 
Been overwound and that nothing 
Could be done about it. Put him in
Particolor tights, give him a slapstick 
Set him dancing on a charlatan's stage;
You will say that Arlecchino's older brother,
Glum and desperate, has come back
To demand his place in the commedia.

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