House of Hosanna

if dreams dwell in the head
mine seem to have escaped
because as I lie down on my bed
I get a feeling of elevation instead

perhaps it’s the soothing sound of Fly With Me by Elis Pethke
which is to blame for my drift into fancy
for now I’m perched upon the tree of my imagining
looking at depths without envy

and yet from there the roots supply all parts with plenty
so that breath in my lungs is restored
and I can adore Katie Paterson, Zeller & Moye’s ‘Hollow’
knowing that logic is not always a thing to follow

© Heath Muchena, 2016

Penman Blues

Taking action leaves no room for self-doubt, and with that in mind, he agreed to write grandiloquent edicts for the prospective politician in exchange for a generous grant upon assumption of office and the gaining of access to official powers that would make available the resources and security, including clearances to view classified material for the purposes of research, in order to enable successful completion of his manuscript, which would otherwise be practically impossible.

Also, having already spent a significant portion of his advances on a property, at which he had a James Turrell Skyspace installed – the writer’s lair he always dreamed of – he had not much else left. But with a multiple book deal to fulfil, not even his ideal home offered a sanctuary. The deadlines were fast approaching and he needed to produce a groundbreaking work, with even greater appeal than the forty-four columns of text in the Code of Hammurabi, because they expected nothing less.

Still, even with all the pressures, he felt it was manifoldly better than signing on to another nine-to-five, because truthfully – expedient is almost never ethical thus not good for the soul. And there are infinite ways to live, as long as one is wise enough to not waste the gifts of nature’s endowment. So in his case, he simply came to grips with the fact that as long as humans will tolerate tales, it will likely also always be the case that every ruler will need a great speech, and every writer in return – wish to strike it rich, therefore that synergy will continue to conquer, with or without his participation. And seeing that the opportunity signified a good fit, he was resolved to do his bit, and so the keyboard his fingers struck, beat by beat.

© Heath Muchena, 2016

Peace & A Slice of Paradise

On a beach
Where sand had been ploughed into scenic furrows by the ebbing tide

We watched a glistening fringe of curves
Created by the lapping of waves on the sea-shore

And the sun appeased our appetites
Like an early spring surprise

A balanced form of mood enhancement
Through nature’s nourishment

Something we felt and agreed we both deserved
Peace and a slice of paradise

So we took a lie-down on the Missoni print towel
Mai Tais and conversation flowing… all the incommensurable ideas reconciled

As she reminded me that every origin includes both the creation
And that out of which it is constituted

While I showed her that distance gives perspective
And relaxation is the best aphrodisiac – better than Dr NakaMats’ Love Jet

© Heath Muchena, 2016

Excess County

On that occasion, because of her passion for furniture design and decorating interiors, we set out on what was supposed to be a short trip to find some lighting fixtures for her client, whose studio she was to furnish the coming weekend.

On our way we discussed Millay’s “A Few Figs From Thistles”, which she’d just finished reading. She had always shown a fervent interest in feminist literature and expressed her views with sophisticated felicity.

We arrived in the industrial district. She led the way, and I followed her through the backstreets which bustled with fresh produce vendors, downtown tailors, vinyl record store and thrift shop regulars. A turn or two and we were inside Excess County, and there I was – thinking how clever that the name was downright bourgeois yet tasteful and still appropriate to the setting. Odd aisles with spectacular fluidity and all the pieces flawlessly arranged. It was nothing short of an industrial design exhibition. I marvelled at a Jae Hyo Lee’s pine sculpture table, while she fixated on the Iris floor lamp by Alex MacMaster which we’d specifically come for. She thought it would suit the circular economy inspired theme her client was going for.

We shared opinions on several other pieces before we got to the Poliform soft spa sofa which was in one corner of the showroom. We sat beside each other testing it out and then to my surprise, she suddenly took my hand and placed it under her summer print faux-wrap dress. Then she whispered in my ear, ‘I wish we could… right here.’ I’d have thought she was teasing if only she wasn’t so moist.

© Heath Muchena, 2016