Ted Berrigan

15 November 1934 – 4 July 1983 / Providence, Rhode Island

Chinese Nightingale

We are involved in a transpersonified state
Revolution, which is turning yourself around
I am asleep next to 'The Hulk'. 'The Hulk' often sleeps
While I am awake & vice-versa. Life is less than ideal
For a monkey in love with a nymphomaniac! God is fired!
Do I need the moon to remain free? To explode softly
In a halo of moon rays? Do I need to be
On my human feet, straight, talking, free
Will sleep cure the deaf-mute's heartbreak? Am I
In my own way, America? Rolling downhill, & away?
The door to the river is closed, my heart is breaking
Loose from sheer inertia. All I do is bumble. No
Matter. We live together in the jungle.
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