I bought a Volkswagen after my tour in Germany,
top speed of maybe 75. Just enough to keep up
with the autobahn. The trains don't even chug
anymore, just sway. I say the most polished surface
in the world might be the top of the rails, which reminds
me of the bumper of that old Beetle which reminds me
of the absence of cow-catchers on trains today,
which didn't catch cows so much as split them in half.
It must have been the chill of the water that did it, holding
out his left hand that looks like a fractured cup, that one
long fissure in the brown earthen mug that refuses
to part, fingers at permanent grasp around the palmed scar.
They don't give you a purple heart for washing dishes
but they do send you home with your gun and hope
you finish the job––the war, some vendetta of the mind
against the flesh––yourself. He chuckles like the train wheels.
9 comments:
I like it. It made a great reminiscence. The italics worked very well..
designed patterns
interesting work Nathan, slightly dark and very contemplative -- it was an engaging read...
...rob
Provocative piece! Much to enjoy and ponder.
I like how you jump from one association to the next, but then settle down for the ride and to listen and hear Charlie. Somehow, you managed to make me feel like I was on that train, perhaps your pacing of the lines, or the swaying back and forth to italics, whatever, I really like this one, Nathan,
Elizabeth
Nice character sketch. The two voices weave it well.
Love the way this poem circles around its subject, if that makes sense. Beautiful musical language as always.
This is so scattered that is is amazing! I followed every line and it made me smile. I love the part about the cow catchers I actually visualized those few lines in my head....
scattered indeed...loved it and thanks nathan...love those lounge cars
maybe they should have called them, "cow splitters"?
I love your thoughts and how well you translate them into peotry.
Post a Comment