CABINET MATTER: Drugs. Henri Michaux
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Cartesian Diver
The trick is to get out of your own dead body
in one piece. One quick hard twist and you’re out.
Next, you turn black all over and taper at the
extremities. Grow a red mane and huge milky eyes like a
cat’s, with vertical slits for pupils.
Now hover in air as if undersea, in a space
enclosed by thick walls of ancient crystal with
rich polychrome refractions.
Within this limitless or at least vast container, move
in the manner of a Cartesian diver. Rise and sink with the
supple emphasis of slow motion.
Scratch your tank’s smooth sides with sharp
dirty nails.
Roger Gilbert-Lecomte
trans. by David Rattray
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[1] Henri Michaux Misersable Miracle (Mescaline) (City Light Press, 1972). p.7
[2] Mescaline drawing 1955 Ink on paper 32 x 24 cm
[3] Henri Michaux Misersable Miracle (Mescaline) (City Light Press, 1972). p.11
[4] Mescaline drawing 1956 Ink on paper 26.5 x 18 cm
[5] Mescaline drawing 1956 Ink on paper 33 x 24 cm
[6] Henri Michaux Misersable Miracle (Mescaline) (City Light Press, 1972). p.12
[7] Untitled 1973-4 Indian ink on paper 63 x 88 cm