December 3, 2006

Took it easy today and re-read Richard Brautigan's, In Watermelon Sugar (Delta, 1968). It's an easy read to get through in one sitting. The first time I read this was at the insistence of one Courtnie Noelle from San Diego; as she was also a big proponent of Joni Mitchell's Blue, I was, at the time suspect; though now, both have prominent spaces in my re-read/re-listen to piles.

The opening lines of In Watermelon Sugar are sparse, haunting, and yet set the pace for the narrative that follows. Here could perhaps be an argument for this work entire being an extended prose poem:

In WATERMELON SUGAR the deeds were done and done again as my life is done in watermelon sugar. I'll tell you about it because I am here and you are disteant.

Wherever you are, we must do the best we can. It is so far to travel, and we have nothing here to travel, except watermelon sugar. I hope this works out (1).