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.
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.
ReplyDeleteYes 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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