Here are two poems by Bob Holman. You are asked to choose between them. Much depends on your choice. For it has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world, those who favor Brumal (“(Do Not Leave Out) The Invisible Line”) and those who prefer "The Tyranny of the Poem." In which category do you fall? Are you an Alice or a Mabel? As for me, I take refuge in Kierkegaard. I know the right answer but am honor bound to keep it a secret. — DL
(1)
Brumal (“(Do Not Leave Out) The Invisible Line”)
Solstice Day incites play in my poetic driveway
I get the picture — take down the light fixture
The posse be sleepin by the chimney with care
A flashlight app blows up their green blacklight hair
So what if it's short?
Fine poetic consort
And cold? Dusky dank?
Take that to the bank
Let us sing to the balance of moon and sun
To the invisible line that connects everyone
(2) The tyranny of the poem
It will never end
You will never be alone again
Beware
Everybody’s hand on the big pencil
Pushing out the first letter
Of the first word of the poem
Then go on from there
Go ahead
Go on into the theater
Never to return to this poem
Yet the poem waits for you
Right here where you left it
It is the tyranny of the poem
You can leave the poem
But the poem will never leave you
You will never be alone again
— Bob Holman