Dying to show, dying to tell

When asked to bring in something I'd been dying to share with the class, I brought "Selected Poems" by Mark Strand. Many times this semester I've thumbed through the book looking for something that might fulfill the requirements of a particular show and tell. Finally.

Strand is one of my favorite poets because of his vivid use of imagery. I can often "see" the landscapes and situations created by his poems. (To actually see Strand, though, reading a poem, click here.) And though Strand's imagery and metaphor often convey dark themes, his poetry ultimately creates a message of hope. Here's the text for the poem I chose to read in class:

Eating Poetry
By Mark Strand

Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.

The librarian does not believe what she sees.
Her eyes are sad
and she walks with her hands in her dress.

The poems are gone.
The light is dim.
The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming up.

Their eyeballs roll,
their blond legs burn like brush.
The poor librarian begins to stamp her feet and weep.

She does not understand.
When I get on my knees and lick her hand,
she screams.

I am a new man.
I snarl at her and bark.
I romp with joy in the bookish dark.