The Description

-for Jacques Derrida

I'm trying to describe a man
Sitting on a bench. The bench is labeled
BENCH. Behind it is a STATUE. Beyond that, at an angle,
HOUSE. HOUSE, HOUSE. Houses
Fit the description, they are there for the world to see.
So is the bench. I'm not so sure about
Man. House, statue, MAN. That worries me.
I'm trying to speak about

The tragic deed done within the family. I say the word
MOTHER, and the speechless world
Blinds itself at the thought. BENCH, STATUE, HOUSE. A man
Says what he wants to when the world
Isn't looking: Man, STATUE. Man, HOUSE.

MOTHER. I'm trying to think how to tell you I think
Something's wrong. I'M SITTING ON A BENCH.