A Poet Reacts to a Preacher

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1. jj

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2. Thank you! The poet Dana Gioia is a fascinating man himself.

   Echo of the clocktower, footstep
   in the alleyway, sweep
   of the wind sifting the leaves.

   Jeweller of the spiderweb, connoisseur
   of autumn’s opulence, blade of lightning
   harvesting the sky.

   Keeper of the small gate, choreographer
   of entrances and exits, midnight
   whisper traveling the wires.

   Seducer, healer, deity or thief,
   I will see you soon enough—
   in the shadow of the rainfall,

   in the brief violet darkening a sunset—
   but until then I pray watch over him
   as a mountain guards its covert ore

   and the harsh falcon its flightless young.

   — Dana Gioia —

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