Primus St. John was born and raised in New York City. He is the author of four poetry collections, among them Communion: Poems, 1976–1998, winner of the Western States Book Award, and Dreamer, recipient of the Hazel Hall Award for Poetry. In addition, he is the editor of the anthologies From Here We Speak and Zero Makes Me Hungry. For three decades, he has taught at Portland State University in Oregon.

Song

by Primus St. John

Fishermen
Pursue the sea
As if it were
A naked woman.
That is why
They rise early
And leave their wives
And go to boats
To mumble through
All the natural
Gradations of purpose
That are deeply imbued
In the incomprehensible
Pain of living.

People on couch
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