Achilles in Jasper, Texas

Achilles in Jasper, Texas

I know this: a man walked home drunk
along the corduroy of pines
in west Texas, the bronze duff and

the dust and the late light that fell
on him. Three men gave him a lift

that afternoon and raised him
with their fists and lowered
him with their nigger this and

nigger that and after a while,
when all the fun they could have

with him leaked out into
the ruts of a logging cut,
they tied him to the boat

hitch of their truck and pulled
away. I know he kept his head up

awhile because his elbows were
ground to the bone; I know enough
was finally enough, and his head

left his body behind,
but I don’t know what to do

with this, America, this rage
like Achilles twitching
Hector behind his chariot

for 12 days until even
the gods were ashamed.

–Jeffrey Thompson
2008 Split This Rock Adult Poetry Festival Winner

In The Know

Have you ever been in a position where you know you should be somewhere else but, and for whatever reason,  you remain where you are completely entrenched in a potentially bad situation?

Yeah, I know this feeling very well now.

The other day I ran into–let’s just say, an uniquely surly type of guy–and as we started to talk about the US economy and the intricate details surrounding the chaos on Wall St. and the surrounding infrastructures, I suddenly realized that this guy, who just knew too much about too many things about the US government, didn’t quite bode well with my senses. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have spent many a moment or two speaking with complete strangers and in very diverse situations, but this conversation by far took the cake.  So, reaching back to my earlier question, why didn’t I leave or remember that I had a pot of boiling water at the house?

God only knows.

The curiosity.  The conversation. The fact that his voice and features resembled Vladimir Putin.

Yeah, I know.

Needless to say, I should have practiced better judgment but honestly, we didn’t discuss anything that would have made my butt cheeks pucker. In fact, despite knowing too much information for my comfort about the US government, he and I laughed at many things that affect both of our daily interactions.  One thing that I have yet to laugh at is the fact that a recent domestic flight shortly after “the meeting” quickly led me to front ticket counter.  For some God-awful reason, I am now on the Federal Watch List.

Yeah, I know.

M.C. Davis