Poem 3--Language Poetry

We are nearer to heaven

Watch the cat if you don't believe me.

She's stretching out already.

A warm, sunny June morning

Which, as you pointed out,

Is already close to paradise.

So we jumped out of bed

So we could dress and undress

And fall again in each other's arms

Astonished the ceiling is still there,

And not the light blue air of eternity.

CHARLES SIMIC is a poet, essayist and translator. He teaches American literature, critical theory, and creative writing at the University of New Hampshire. He has published fourteen collections of poetry, five books of essays and memoirs, and many books of translations. He has received numerous literary awards, including a MacArthur Fellowship and the Pulitzer Prize. His new book of poems, Jackstraws, was published in spring of 1999 by Harcourt Brace.