By chance, I was out walking in the Arb tonight, and I came upon
a stage and about 100 or so people sitting in front of it expectantly.
There were enormous, bright red drums on the stage and a gong
in the background. Marvelous! What a marvelous surprise. I sat down
beneath a sturdy tree and what ensued was nothing short of fantastic.

It was leaping! and pounding! and faster! and great! It was
about twenty Taiwanese performers in a show of choreographed, orchestrated
drumming that lasted about an hour and a half. I can't say enough good
things about it. It reminded me of a poem:

I just got home from the Arb and! The most amazing show of
Taiwanese performers! I'm
entranced!

Here is a small description of what I saw (from the UMS website):

"A compelling, seamless work of rhythm and movement, The Sound of Ocean traces the cyclical journey of water from drop to stream, from river to ocean. An intense physical and emotional experience, the work is animated by theatrical tension and propelled by rhythms beat out on temple bells, gongs, and drums. This rhythmically-based theatrical exploration of space, environment, and sound includes daring feats of speed and precision alongside a spare grace and clarity..."

And you can see a small picture at:

http://www.ums.umich.edu/

When earlier today I was just reading O'Keeffe's letters and came to the spot where she said, "I hope you are caring for yourself--something in you must quiet down so that you can get well--I wish I could help you." And I wondered how I could make something quiet down, and then the Taiwanese performers showed up and I feel very good. Exuberant even.

The only sadness--
I wish I'd had someone along to share it.

If you'd like to see the Drummers of Taiwan for yourself, they're giving two more performances at 8pm on Friday and Saturday at The Power Center.


*

And from earlier today...
I read that magician David Blaine has suspended himself in a see-through little box near London Bridge where he plans to reside for the next 44 days with only his journal and some water. This inspired an afternoon of ridiculous day-dreaming during which I wrote a poem for him.

Tan Clam With Seaweed


1.
tea in a green plastic cup
rings of the quilt interlock
a borrowed title

2.
here
put this furry red hat
upon your lamp

3.
the first one no good
white shirt
twentyfouryearold
(minty-mouthed)

4.
pink vanilla soap
thin as my shirt
tiny black vanilla beans
inside

5.
tan clam with seaweed
you could put it
in a gumball

6.
maybe, just maybe
it will go to Lake Constance
become a swan

(as if that's
never happened
before!)

7.
PLEASE RETURN
THIS CARD
AT ONCE

8.
PLEASE RETURN
THIS SWAN
AT ONCE

9.
A burst of yellow leaves
twirls through the air--
They like Mozart too

10.
Can you imagine
something so small and red
can make so much buzz

11.
you want to find the truth
so they send you
a cheeseburger
on a tiny helicopter
to tease you

12.
and it reminds you
of Kafka being taunted
by Mickey Mouse

13.
what will you say
once you've gotten
their attention

14.
you love everyone
or you love some people
or you love mom and dad
gran and gramp
or you don't love anyone

15.
or just glad to be alive
drinking your tea
glad to be alive