Not So Coincidentally

(Poem written at Flora’s 80th for her
“Coat of Honor.” Title from Adam’s opening
 remarks. Inspiration from Elizabeth.)

Just in case you’re wondering

Where you came in and where you got off

And who was there in the meantime, it was

The Last Day of Summer and the First Day of

Now Everybody Knows How Old You Are

It was Flora’s Birthday Wild Party and Vija

Sings “You’re no good

                  You’re no good

                           You’re no good

You’re no good                      You’re no good”

As if rock’n’roll were just being invented

Which is true enough

                           All things being unequal

Which is what we’re here to celebrate –

The reflexivity utility of one woman’s imagination

Flora, who rocks so serenely

                                   You are welcome to stand

You are ordered to dance because Flora’s flowering

Flow rules! breaking all rules

                           And bringing together together

For you and yours

                                    Who are us

An urgent patience and

         The emergency of art

                       Calling the roll of images

    Cracking open the world everborn

                  Happy is the Birthday of Flora 80

         The art of art