This postcard from 1969 is unique as every millimetre of space on the back is taken up with text. With that, what else could I do but start erasing? But my attempt at an ‘erasure poem’ ended being more a subtraction-addition poem because I added my own lines, those in italics, which I guess is breaking the rules. Oh well, it’s what I did. .
NOTE: The card depicts Mayan ruins in Palenque, Mexico. The Mayan civilization lasted from approx. 2000BC to 1700AD. Mayan scribes wrote their glyphs under the patronage of the gods on stone and fig bark paper. The paper was used to create folded books, or codices. Tragically, thousands were burned by Spanish conquistadors and priests. Only four are know to exist today.
Me, minion For you, ahau,* the glad news: my chance to serve has arrived. I would love success in paper work, opportunity, openings: to be your scribe. If I am not too old, I prefer standing, advantage, to home. The maize gods seek an an answer. But I think I should have, and be about, many things— all things to be blessed by you. - - - *ahau (aka, ajaw) = 'lord' or 'king' in several Mayan languages
Wonderful erasure, Alan! The rules are for breaking, if you do it on purpose.
Almost 4 K years civilization. Wonder how many years war and peace.