algebraic lyric

The lyric poem as an expression, an equation or an inequation (borrowing terms from algebra). As an expression, the lyric poem is a gesture, a stance, an outcry, without any particular shape or resolution. As an equation, the lyric becomes fully formed, taking shape and resolving itself. As inequation, the lyric grasps about but finds no shape or resolution in its utterance.

nothing to show

Unlike a person asked to solve an algebraic equation, the poet cannot answer the charge: “Show your work.”

solve for x

To think of the poem as an algebraic formula that has both constants (images) and variables (metaphors).

language algebra

The line was language algebra: a formula devoid of the phenomenal.

algebraic

Treat each line as though it were an algebraic equation that must be simplified and reduced to its least terms.