Neanderthal Messiah — 190
Speakeasy Basement off the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Madison | 1989
The results of the off-Langdon Photographers House Annual $2,000
Symposium
Of 1 minute Haikus on What’s the biggest societal influence, are in -
This year’s grant finalists: Science vs. Art
And the UW professors were allowed participation as a nod
To the Olympics’ professional athletes.
Professor Woodley of Physics for Poets 146
Personalizing the life saving effects of Medicine
That — along with the 10 fingers naturally pointing to
Base-10 mathematics -
Implying that even a religious God
Sent a hint to be scientific.
But Art’s rebuttal appealed to the senses -
Symbolism of life’s greater value
And the music that Science took credit for amplifying
Was artistic, aphrodisiac & maternal.
…
And there, before the Tandy screen
With faint memories of debits & credits swirling before him,
Of the business school’s rejection of his typing -
His 3.1 grade point average disallowing entrance,
[So an Economics degree instead, with English Literature
Oddly added within the Bachelors of Science program.]
A green pall veiled his mien:
[He deflates] ‘A tie.’
Turning to his awaiting house brothers
The MC with mic
DJ Yun watching from the dais, ready to cut the music
[He confirms:] ‘49-49!’
[A hired photographer zaps their predicament.]
[A foosball goal clanks.]
…
[Across the asbestos tiled floor, covered in spilled Blatz -
Professors in attendance chat, Professor James laughs over her one beer.]
[She, an English Dept tenured professor since the mid-60s, stands shocked.]
‘Hello, Elaine.’
[She gasps.]
[Professor James:] ‘But, how can it be?’
[He moves closer to her.]
[His Navy forearms still Popeye’d from the WWII engine room pull-ups.]
[Professor James:] ‘Gus’s’, at the Capitol…’ [she says overwhelmed]
[Collapsing into his arms:] ‘It’s been 20 years!’
…
‘Eureka!’ [Into his Lotus 1–2–3]
‘I didn’t vote!… Oh my God.’
…
[Professor James:] ‘How can, y — you- haven’t aged.
Your story of crossing time, I thought…you were using the Method.’
