Postcards From Texas #5
by david moses fruchter
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 23:12:35 -0500

one side of the postcard bears a glyph from a now-lost
meso-American alphabet.  this glyph appeared at the beginning
and at the end of that alphabet, and by itself meant "that which
is to be created", or "the way back home".  when used as a
modifier to another glyph or word it had the effect of doubling
the intensity of that word or glyph while also implying its
illusory nature.  the postmark reads, "Precedence, Texas."  the
other side reads:

What draws water out of rock is water.  Just as a man may
lightly stroke that which he has an urge to crush, in order
to more richly experience that urge -- just as light
transforms to heat upon absorption -- so do the folk here
live upon extraction and denial.  The welcome they show to a
stranger depends on whether they view him and a symbol of
infusion, or replacement.  I was one of the lucky few.

Later, as I prepared (with equal measures of relief and
regret) to take my leave, I was approached by the High
Ceremonia.  She gave me a name, about which she said it was
divine will that it ended and began with the same sound.  And
when she said this, it was not actually the case.  She was
not trying to be ironic or mysterious; she was a priestess,
to be sure, but a dumb one, as was called for by the
doctrines of her sect.

I left, in a certain sense.  And in another sense, I have not
been back.  The priestess remained behind, in general,
intently watching me take leave with her sunblind eyes.
Thus, by observation my departure was made awkward.  And
honest.

Extract.  Deny.  Extract.

yours,

  --david.