Wallace Steven Encounters the New Solitaire


In the oblivion of screens

One exists among pure virtual.


Neither the screens nor the desk nor the work

Exist as facts. This is an escape


To oblivion, to evasion.

One slips at last from always on


And clicks around it without guilt,

Upon the oak desk, finally glowing.





This poem was inspired as described in the Introduction, but also by Stevens’ poem “Solitaire Under the Oaks” as printed in The Library of America edition of Collected Poetry and Prose.