“Because your mind pursues every object that comes before it without restraint, the patriarchs describe you as one who foolishly seeks a second head over the one you have.”
Linzi, 9th century CE
The low tide breaks me
I can walk farther, see more
greet the purple star
the twin eagles roosting on rock
the pair of seals hunting
the two herons stalking
everything is doubled, you see
reflections on glassy sand
my second head explodes
the one becomes two becomes one
all because of the withdrawal of water
withdrawal of thoughts and concepts
leaving the unbearable aroma of seaweed, shellfish, life itself
for my double nostrils to inhale
Composed June 23, 2025