Thanks, Greg. I think the poem takes a wrong turn at "We hesitate to laugh and listen".The opening line is what I used to find myself thinking during certain experiments with illicit substances.The 2nd half of the poem is reality intruding, I guess.
Thanks, Stefan and Dave. I like smithereens too.
Thanks Cynthia.It isn't packed with Dusty Springfield allusions, just the one line. I do love that song, though.

Comment is about Dusty (blog)

I agree, this is fabulous, and I don't get all the allusions. But I do 'get' the language that carries me 'to blueness drenched in our percussion'. Some marvellous, innovative imagery in the command of skillful diction and poetic melody. One to reread many times with ever greater appreciation.

Comment is about Dusty (blog)

Terrific. "search myself to smithereens" is just one of several very memorable lines. There's an awful lot in this one. I'm sure I won't be the last to comment.

Comment is about Dusty (blog)

wow! fave song...(look of love)

Comment is about Dusty (blog)

Of course, I was hooked by the very first line of this, Ray. And I only noticed the title afterwards! It's well-structured and rich, but the funny thing is, to me there are two separate poems there. The second one begins, "the detritus of all the days." What do you think? The mood and language of the second half is quite different; more mysterious, and suddenly there are two people there instead of one. But Dusty ... don't get me started. What a voice, and what a girl! That Bacharach song is probably my all-time favourite

Comment is about Dusty (blog)