TOM MONTAG
Remember, Ben, he tells himself
You are a poet, not a comedian
Not all the notes,
Just the right ones
And the silence
Ben’s silence says
What cannot be said
If you say anything,
You’ve said too much.
The road is long,
Ben says. Bring shoes.
Go so far,
He says, youSurprise yourself
Coming back.
[from BEN ZEN, THE OX OF PARADOX, Cross+Roads Press, 1999]
I love Ben; thanks for reminding me I have his book to enjoy.
Tom Montag is another small press writer, who has long
supplied his significant talent to a limited but appreciative
audience. This book is one of his most charming and thought provoking.
Tom’s voice is clear and true.