April 8

Opera-Works

OPERA–works—operatic–like works. Operative–machine parts work. “Jetparts rain from the sky”–Chandler’s randomness. The inevitable meeting placeof fact and coincidence. Someone 10 feet away is speaking to me–are youenjoying it (Roussel) trying to keep up writing while maintaining absurd butfriendly conversation about dogs trained to attack. Big dogs won’t attacklittle dogs, little dogs will attack big dogs. Jet parts rain from the sky.”Writing notes on your reading?” Just taking notes–journal. Oh.Explanations–inclusiveness. Jet parts rain from the sky. “Word falling–photofalling.” Back to the conversation, nothing else to write. Man laughs randomly,“That’s a strange kite–almost like a snake.” Feel gradual force innotation–willful and pleasant–is making a time that is taking on the qualitiesof the park. “Getting hungry–hope I see you again.” Pink and green of Missionbuildings. Flower people, birds peck at sweets. Siphoning off sweet cream.Twilight in Hermosillo, Mexico, roseate aura of drugstore–Pharmacia–main street,palms dividing boulevard, Dolores Street, dolorous, dolorosa, while sweet,languorous. Woman takes ice between her lips. You want the world to take place,without any borders of thought. The widest possible conception fills it out.

(Barrett Watten. “April 8.” Opera-Works. Bolinas: Big Sky, 1975. 34.)