Friday, January 8, 2021

Revelation

Nothing so far- 
Fetched as a stork 
Bringing a new-
 
Born baby in- 
To a Greek house- 
Hold; here, it’s something
 
More down-to-Earth, I can 
Still remember my mom’s 
Answer when I asked her
 
That tormenting question so 
Many years ago: “Why, 
From the kneecap, you
 
Silly boy, where else?” 
As she slapped 
Her right leg smartly,
 
Letting out a small laugh 
Like a mischievous child 
At the same time. 
 
 
 

 

2 comments:

  1. Excellent poem. I wonder if the mother's answer (I don't want to assume this poem is autobiographical, though it seems so) is a typical Greek answer to the question or if it is uniquely your mother's answer. Vividly created scene, with well-chosen words. For example, the different meanings of "smartly." And the ending, which suggests this is an interchange between a younger and an older child, is perfect.

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  2. Yes on both counts--autobiographical and a typical Greek answer to a vexing question. Once again, I appreciate your very close reading of a poem whose choice of words might have gone unnoticed by a less careful reader; however, I must say I was expecting you to pick up on the wordplay in the first stanza between "far-fetched" and "bringing" but evidently it was too obvious for comment! Anyway, thanks again.

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