We’re excited about the future release (near future, I promise) of Poetry International 12 for a number of reasons; not least amongst these is the inclusion of a special Lee Young Li chapbook. Here’s a preview of the issue with a response from Gabrielle Stephens followed.
Standard Checklist for Amateur Mystics
A lamp, so you can read the words on the tablet.
A hand to copy the sentences you find.
A hand for you to rest your head.
Feet to dance the gist of what you find.
A bird to scour your heart.
A bird to help you pronounce the sentences.
Breath to fan the fire’s nest.
A kiln to test the choice.
A crown to keep underfoot.
Two eyes to see the one in one.
Three to see the two in one.
Seven to see the all in one.
A hand to cross out your name.
A donkey to carry your shit.
A monkey to filch change and food.
A brother to point out the way.
A sister to redeem the refused.
A sister to ransom the straw.
A sister to wake you with kisses
When you’ve fallen asleep on your opus.
~Li Young Lee
Poetry International Online 