The Burn 2003
Joe Speer
Preparation of mind, body, spirit
a well stocked larder
and precious water
head for Black Rock City, NV
where a municipality erects itself
one week a year
complete with new friends
and amazing sights
we lived for ten days without
spending money except for ice
to neutralize the heat
30,000 residents with time
to serve the community
volunteer as a minion of the ice queen
or a barista in center café
give your best
and the community gives back
be prepared for eco confrontation
as the wind blows dust into
the carburetor and retina
have goggles and sunscreen at the ready
when the incandescent orb
surrenders to the dark inchoate cool
with luminous visions and laser beams
emanating from the Man -
the proud symbol awaiting immolation
there was a last-ditch movement
to save him, regal on his platform
but the fireworks erupted and he was
consumed in flames and cheers
we view the urbanization as an
impendent wilderness
pack it in and pack it out
stagger the exodus
say good-bye to an exemplary city
back to the default world
of commerce and competition
