How to Make Poems
by Annie Farnsworth


Go out and rake leaves.
Uncovering a truth ,
write it down on a 3x5 card,
stash in pocket.
Throw leaves on compost.

Move darks to dryer.
Load lights in washer.

Chop vegetables for soup.
As their shapes are changed
by the knife, the roots and bulbs
will speak.  Write down their words.
Simmer.  Add seasonings to taste.

After supper dishes are done
laundry folded and children
to bed, take card out
of pocket.  Roll words on counter ,
cut into cheerful shapes, bake
in 350 oven for 10 minutes
or until crispy and golden around the edges.
Serve with coffee or, alternately ,
use card as dustpan, collect sweepings
from all corners of house.
Add to compost or to soup --
if the latter you must sieve
until no traces of bitterness remain.
Dip mop in this viscous liquid.
Cover floor with giant paper ,
apply words with cursive motion.
Peel up and heap
dripping mass of day to dryer.
Run on HOT setting until 8 1/2" x 11".
Tomorrow, start again.