TRAFFIC

Artist The Alternative Press

Artist Andrei Codrescu

Date1981

MediumLetterpress on paper

DimensionsPaper Size (folded): 8 × 10 5/8 in. (20.3 × 27 cm) Paper Size (unfolded): 8 × 16 in. (20.3 × 40.6 cm)

ClassificationsPrint

Credit LineGift of Gary Eleinko, 2023

Object numberUAC7447.03

DescriptionLetterpress printed poem by Andrei Codrescu, titled "TRAFFIC".

TRAFFIC Andrei Codrescu
At intersections
molecular desiring machines
adjusted automatically
to ulp hmmm shake the fruit from youth
ah ah wait for you…
Take it easy
flex bolt in inner thigh
fold wings on nipples
shed & retrieve identity
firm & wobble step
remove porcine mug
insert kosher face.
When the light changes
hobble into the arms of your love
with that look of
I hate tommorow it was a cut up of yesterday
I'm ready for pushups
& ripe for the grave.
Cross the street saying Really really
really really really really
with a rattle a tin tied to your tail
of dog cat & man.
Walk right over
the industrial ruin.
Hold out your hand:
Ah, future! In ruins before we even meet!
Point to your body
shake head smile say:
Between that ruin & this ruin...ah...no deal.
Walk faster
Light changes to
the dawn of capitalism.
Heiresses in auto cars throw themselves
under the wheels.
Space stations
fall on your head.
Desire machine
moves to collage
stiff spine
to buckled knees
broken heart to stellar debris
mothers pulling titties
from the mouths of babes tearing up books
endless reactions to endless infractions
move on
move on

Published by The Alternative Press, Issue Number 10.