verbatim

it was just like a babbling brook, nothing contrived,

moonlight was reflecting off the virgin snow,

the sounds are made to collide in the air,

a special place with no plans, no patterns,

a floating place that is desired and cultivated,

I love what I don't understand, 

when even the cliches are accepted, nirvana can be reached,

there was something hilarious about the guy selling hot dogs,

it's hard to put into words, 

a ten page atonal fugue,

a few practical jokes,

let's try it.  
 

the above poem uses quotes by Mike Gordon, taken out of context from his interview on Rick Rubin’s “Tetragrammaton” podcast of 11/5/25. each quote appears in chronological order, straight from the Cactus’ mouth.

I took the photo at the 7/24/24 Phish show at Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT .