A Worldly Country by John Ashbery

Today marks another exciting release from Ecco: A Worldly Country by John Ashbery.  On an occasion such as this, my only pleasure is to invite you to share in our enthusiasm.  Palpable, isn't it?  I have a quantity of three--the perfect number--copies of Mr. Ashbery's latest.  In order to partake, please e-mail me at CruelestMonthPoetry@yahoo.com with your name, address, and, here's the kicker, a sentence of twelve-word length that includes the phrase "caffeine energy gum."  That leaves you nine words.  Please use them wisely.  Winning entries will be posted and attributed.  ***WE HAVE OUR WINNERS...TABULATING RESULTS!!!***

"The Inchcape Rock"

Prop up the "meaning,"
take the trash out, the dog for a walk,
give the old balls a scratch, apologize for three things
by Friday--oh quiet noumenon
of my soul, this is it, right?
You lost the key and the answer is inside
somewhere, and where are you going to breath?
The box is shut that knew you
and all your friends,
voices that could have spoken in your behalf ...

Why, what did you want me to do with them?
Half a document is sufficient to this
weather, wild time, excrescence, more.
Rumors sift across a bald apologia.
The feet are here.

- John Ashbery from A Worldly Country (2007)