There comes a time in one’s life when one wants time,
a lot of time, with inanimate things.
Not ultimate inanimate things,
Of course, but mute things,
beautiful, untalkbackable wise things.
That’s wishful thinking, cowboy.

Still, I’d like to see the river of stars
fall noiselessly through the nine heavens for once,
But the world’s weight, and the world’s welter, speak big talk and
big confusion.

From the Summer 2007 Issue

“Cowboy Up” is part of the Summer 2007 issue of Virginia Quarterly Review, which also features essays, fiction, poetry, book reviews, and humor, all available online. Subscribe today for just $32.

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