Mathematician
for Rev. Charles Saunders

walking man, walking home, making triangles

unmaking one to make another and another
unmindful of these

on his mind a cup of tea, a meal to make
can hardly wait to be in his kitchen
to turn lights on

exquisite triangles he makes and throws away
without a thought

his thoughts upon hot tea, hot bread
to slice, to butter

he wishes he had avocado
he had a week or so ago to slice, to add
unable to afford tomatoes, $2.69 a pound

in the fridge, in a box, what’s left of rice
he had for lunch

some of this, some of that to add up
to make supper

in what mathematical shapes
will he prepare a meal

what equations will he make
of what he fixes, what he eats
adding and subtracting

eating, defecating, breathing in, out
heart beat quickening, walking more quickly
anticipating tea, something to eat


© Obediah Michael Smith, 2009
9:29 p.m. 30.10.09