Fluxus Score: Instructions for a Couple Over Unknown Duration

1.

Observe his plate of tater tots

while you wait to pray.

Listen to his heavy stream across the house

the water course through pipes

his feet return, full of him. Pray.

2.

Sit in silent witness

of creosote collecting

on the wood stove pane.

Take turns placing your palm

on each other’s thigh.

3.

Nearly halfway

through duration

begin cold plunging.

Gasp together until

a calm carries.

3.

Giggle and kiss each other once again

just to upset the whimpering dog

who wants a kiss goodbye, too

every morning, not jealous of him

but you who gets his first kiss.

4.

Each of you, nearly alternately

lay a log on the fire when coals begin

to die, open the flue until flames rise.

Keep each other warm like this

until your last winter.

5.

Notice when the other

makes the bed, sweeps

cooks, waters seeds

takes out trash.

Say something.

6.

Moan into each other’s ears.

7.

Walk the short loop,

the mid loop, the long loop

for as long as the dog lives.

Notice together or alone

the walk takes you home.