Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SEPARATION by JANE MILLER

First Line: WELL MY CADILLAC NOW THAT THE HOG HERDING HAS BEGUN
Last Line: JUST WHERE OUR LOVERS DIE
Subject(s): ABSENCE; FARM LIFE; IOWA; PIGS; SEPARATION; ISOLATION; AGRICULTURE; FARMERS; BOARS; HOGS;

Well my Cadillac now that the hog herding has begun
big ones spray-gunned
is this the permission we long for
not in prose or stone but in action?
electric-prodded out of the pen backed into the bloody aisle
pigs chew pigs' tails
whack the metal feeders charge the gate
so it's beauty in the end we were after or serenity?
slapped on the rump shoved at the truck
who shall not ever again find anchorage
never feared July never feared June
every one with an inconsolable mother...

My ballast
I've scratched a key along the side of a white Camaro
in hog heaven the place one finds
community possible desirable
my legendary embankment
I will never get over you
I cruise the high-pitched scream of the engine
my tenderloin my tetracycline
I want only to illuminate a tiny thing in a coat
woolen cap and rubber boots
marked by a spray of red paint
just where our lovers die



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