Dia Publications Spotlight: Rae Armantrout, “Readings in Contemporary Poetry”

In honor of National Poetry Month, each week we present a poem from our Readings in Contemporary Poetry: An Anthology, edited by Vincent Katz, long-time curator of the eponymous series. This week features Rae Armantrout’s “Answer.” For more poetry programs at Dia, check out our next event in the series, Tribute to John Godfrey on Tuesday, April 20, 6 pm.

Answer

By Rae Armantrout

a moment of stillness,

demanding an answer.


When does a moment end? 

   
*  

Starbucks prayer,

“Make morning good again.”

    * 

Leaf shadows on pavement:

 
word meaning to slide

carelessly,

repeatedly,

to absentmindedly caress.

     *

For I so loved the world

that I set up

my only son
 

to be arrested.