Two American Scenes

Part of our revived "Poetry Pamphlet" series, Two American Scenes features two masters of the essay discussing "found material." Excerpts: It was given to me, in the nineteenth century,to spend a lifetime on this earth. Along with a few of the sorrowsthat are appointed unto men, I have had innumerable enjoyments;and the world has been to me, even from childhood,a great museum. — Lydia Davis Bad rapids. Bradley is knocked over the side; his foot catchesunder the seat and he is dragged, head under water. Camped ona sand beach, the wind blows a hurricane. Sand piles over us likea snow-drift. — Eliot Weinberge