Spontaneous Birthday Lines for T.S. (Belated)

In 1888, T.S. Eliot was born in St. Louis.
What does it mean to be an American
in the fine art of el Dia de los Muertos altar making?
This throwdown involves beer, sausage rolls, and meat,
plenty of sour cream and butter —
yellow cake, chocolate chips, and rainbow sprinkles—
what more could you want? Grilled sausages,
ice cream, a jumpy house for the kids? Time to dust
controversy throughout the religious world?
A mummified archbishop entombed in the altar?
That could be a rock ’n’ roll rumor
petting zoo for the kids, a hidden jewel
like growing orchids in the Arctic: "I used to spend
an hour, pacing the floor, chewing pencils.
I don't know if I ever expected it to take off,
but it did—like jet propulsion." Sweater puppies
advertised under EDUCATION 2006—
Back to School Guide. People don't realize
how rich this area is in art and music,
reclaimed lumber, vintage hardware and antique glass.
From house cats to a 24-foot stegosaurus,
from eagles to the Liberty Bell
after a glass of wine at the reception
for a talented group of seasoned and emerging writers
and a host of luminaries. "It's what we came
to do." There is such a broad base of talent here
which begins with the last man on Earth.