Ekphrastic
i.
Given an image that privileges the ear
over all else — a marble ear emerging
from an otherwise smooth marble head ––
the illusion of hearing as passive
is subsumed by an implied listening radiance.
ii.
On a bad day, a blank face chills.
On a less attached day, a meditator
is noticing sounds.
Arising and passing away.
Leaves come to mind.
iii.
Tendrils soak up
sensations;
a pod is
hooked on an
ear.
iv.
The way the head is laid on its side
creates the linguistic paradox
of a heavy paperweight.
Can objects see or hear or dream?
Contrary to the position of the head,
this sculpture does
not put a thinking mind to sleep.
It touches it.
