Meta [edit]

[Richard]

Hey Duke,
An interesting read as always. I do have some thoughts though:

Meta -I like the title. It's the only thing that made me interpret a connection between the two stanzas.

Above this highway cut -When I first read this poem, I thought of a literal highway, but after further readings I realized this might refer to the information highway (internet). Maybe I'm wrong. If I am, then I don't see the connection between the two stanzas.
through forest either side,
clouds build what seems a pyramid
or tree with road its trunk,
white cumulus as leaves–  
or single canopies, a bushy woodlot
forming greater foliage. -If all of this is part of the metaphor I mentioned above, my main suggestion would be add a few more hints throughout this stanza. Maybe emphasize the cloud imagery more in a way to hint at a connection to icloud? Just a thought.

Minds are not made of cells
or nerves or ganglia–  -I get what you're going for here in the first two lines. For some reason, I feel like you need a stronger word than "made". Maybe "comprised"?
they're sewn from similes -I originally misread this line with "smiles" for "similes". I know it would mean changing some of what you say in the rest of the piece, but I can't help but wonder how "smiles" would affect your message here.
and metaphors, all woven words
each signifying more
than single thoughts,
by one thread, “like,” -This line is so important for the reader to determine what the highway from stanza one truly means. I wish there was a way you could emphasize this line more through spacing or repetition. Just a thought.
which binds all meaning.

Overall, I think you have a strong first draft here, and I look forward to seeing where you take it from here.

Thanks for the read,
Richard