Rest in Peace, Ai (1947-2010)

Another great poet/artist has passed away. The poet Ai died this past Friday. I don't know the details about her death, only that I am saddened by her death because she was quite influential on my early work as a poet and as a person.

During my time at ASU, I had the pleasure of meeting Ai and shuttling her back and forth to a few engagements. She was chatty, curious, and frighteningly brilliant.

Rest in peace.

Woman to Man

by Ai

Lightning hits the roof,   

shoves the knife, darkness,   

deep in the walls.

They bleed light all over us   

and your face, the fan, folds up,   

so I won’t see how afraid   

to be with me you are.

We don’t mix, even in bed,   

where we keep ending up.   

There’s no need to hide it:   

you’re snow, I’m coal,

I’ve got the scars to prove it.   

But open your mouth,

I’ll give you a taste of black   

you won’t forget.

For a while, I’ll let it make you strong,

make your heart lion,

then I’ll take it back.