Andrew Ratner

Golem Event

after Jerome Rothenberg, “Golem Event”

(1)
Hands awash in the sap of a palm or spruce, clap over a heavy tin with the bark of a cyprus. Let it fill. The many pairs of eyes follow from above.

(2)
Using a ladle or a heavy wooden spoon, gather water. Place the utensil upon the front steps of a newborn fruit tree. Wait until the water evaporates. Wait until the water evaporates.

(3)
Along with millet or the husks of wheat, grind earth into a mortar, spilling some onto the table. Write the truth on the table. The crows waiting in anticipation add wings to each crumble.

(4)
Fingers flex and contract over a book of stones.

(5)
Emet, met.

 

 

Andrew Ratner is an instructional designer and a former educator. His work has appeared in Prick of the Spindle, thieves jargon, and Poets Are Present. He is also a recent participant in Tupelo Press's 30/30 Project. Ratner lives in Washington, DC with his wife and daughter.