For me it's the inclusion of "wife" that, in concert with the last word, puts this poem over the top, or, to reverse the image, goes into the emotional depths. In the best way, with understatement. If that had been another in the list of objects, I would have limited my praise to something like "very well-crafted."
In my twenties traveled, a lot, hitchhiking. Over time, gradually discarded this, that, and other stuff. Till was left with what was wearing, a backpack, sleeping bag, and attaché case. After a handful of years, or more, settled down, and found a job. Overtime, things that had given up, just sort of drop down around me, as if out of the ether.
In the poem, he has dropped out, and all that is left what was always swirling around him, seen or not, with the void of that which he was, still all to manifestly present.
So simple and yet so poignant. It's remarkable how she can convey so much grief and sadness without even using those words. Thank you for sharing this and other poems.
For me it's the inclusion of "wife" that, in concert with the last word, puts this poem over the top, or, to reverse the image, goes into the emotional depths. In the best way, with understatement. If that had been another in the list of objects, I would have limited my praise to something like "very well-crafted."
Beautifully done.
In my twenties traveled, a lot, hitchhiking. Over time, gradually discarded this, that, and other stuff. Till was left with what was wearing, a backpack, sleeping bag, and attaché case. After a handful of years, or more, settled down, and found a job. Overtime, things that had given up, just sort of drop down around me, as if out of the ether.
In the poem, he has dropped out, and all that is left what was always swirling around him, seen or not, with the void of that which he was, still all to manifestly present.
So simple and yet so poignant. It's remarkable how she can convey so much grief and sadness without even using those words. Thank you for sharing this and other poems.
She times it beautifully, and it ends just when it must. Thanks
This column is such a treasure.