On Karma
 
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So I sit down intending to write about karma
and things coming and going around, etc.
But you should know by now how it is with a mind.
 
I think about living on one of the Davis Islands in Tampa
that long ago winter it snowed there, cold, like this one.
Where there were three Karmann-Ghia Volkswagens
 
on my block alone.  And about driving up toward
Tarpon Springs toward spring and laughing at some
toothless old Greek there.  But I don’t think he saw me.
 
And I think about Carmelite Fathers or Brothers
or whoever they are and wonder for a while
about them and then I think of Carmel, California
 
where I’ve never been but they say it’s nice even
though they elect Clint Eastwood mayor sometimes.
And Carmen.  I mean, how about that Georges Bizet?
 
And I learn about Karmaloop clothing which is 40%
off if you act today and use the code Loosie 40, but I don’t.
And about Culture Club and Karma Chameleon.  And about
 
Carmella’s Authentic Italian Bistro next to the Dollar Tree
on Casaloma Drive in Appleton.  And Carmex Lip Balm
which would be so nice right now even if it is made in somebody’s
 
garage in Milwaukee like the one where my first poems were published
on a mimeograph machine.  And I’m just getting
back on track when I think of caramels.  Oh, so rich and sweet.
 
Maybe with nuts and chocolate and sea salt?  I can’t eat them anymore
since they stick to my dentures which fall out while some toothy and
tanned young Greek laughs at me.  And he thinks I don’t see him.