From Change Come Other People

1.

I learned Tai Chi from an old Chinese man today. He taught me in a peeling room in the East Village to open my knee at a 45º angle and send energy with constant intention through my wrist and into his. We made figure eights for several minutes, our hands, fingers, and wrists spooling time back and forth in a post-linguistic, post-cultural, (honestly postmodern) exchange. Here’s a poem about that word which also peers back at my question, “How can I have nothing in my dance?” as an inquiry into the intra-conscious experience of non-attachment made possible through the miracle of my body. 

2.

ex- = out of, from; utterly; thoroughly

3.

From change moved an impossible era...

As I try to write a poem about anything other than myself I look around my room. I am noticed by empty tobacco pouch, instant ice pack, dust sweeper, crossbody bag filled with almond dust, dirty socks, used cotton pad, uncapped Aquaphor mini-tube, drying towel, college tote bag, orange-and-grey hype beast jacket, wires, piles of notebooks, a roll of toe tape with a toe spacer propped in the middle. I feel unsure of how to write this poem. I find it easier to search for a place to live. 

4.

Exchange 

ex =

out; outside of."expand"
up and away; upward."extol"
thoroughly."excruciate"
removal or release."excommunicate"
forming verbs expressing inducement of a state."exasperate"
forming nouns (from titles of office, status, etc.) expressing a former state."ex-husband"

5.

poem:

Outside of change fastens inward a lengthy apology
For hurting you that one time I wish to know my mind

I sweat and I sweat and I quickly reddening want more
I peel and I peel and I ever suffering put forth:

I can do impossible things

Like be outside of change 

I have a painful body which requires and forfeits daily
Its changing is all that I have

You wish to reveal the conditions
Find nothing where you thought would be