Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Personhood of Great Apes

Giraffes will kick their children over
when they try to stand at birth.

The nature special exhibits this
sad comedy as it happens time

and time again, until the infant
stands on wobbling knees and takes

a step backward to catch itself.
Then the mother starts to run.

John says this is what god intended
parenting to be, formative and

brutal––Kara says he's full of something
she fails to enunciate as the child

hefts its still-damp lank, takes
a buckling step and begins

to sprint. Commercials follow, buttoning
the moment shut, and I think, among

the empty pizza boxes and the couch
cushions none of us can stop

eviscerating piece by tiny piece, maybe
this is time's estranging project: that

every memory recalled can be altered;
that even when you tell the truth

someone will think you are lying.


Join the circus: BigTentPoetry.org

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Terrific - a witty and wise reflection on parenting.

Anonymous said...

Wot 'e said.

gautami tripathy said...

loved it!

singular thoughts

Anonymous said...

There is a great feel of rhythm and flow to this poem. IT sort of begs to be read aloud.

The content was wonderful and the whole piece was terrific.

School Pictures

christopher said...

What a run of good poetry this time. You have done well!

Tumblewords: said...

Ah, I love the wonder of this!

Anonymous said...

Lots to be learned from nature although I'm glad my parents didn't topple me over. But in their own way, maybe they did!

http://liv2write2day.wordpress.com/2011/01/28/perfect-family-big-tent-poetry/

Laurie Kolp said...

A tue enigma you have versed so well... lovely poem!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the rhythm in this poem as well, and the images you created gave me lots of food for thought. This one I will read a few more times!

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

Just what was it Kara said John was full of that she failed to enunciate? lol A really fun poem!

Deb said...

Fascinating. I have thought about the poem's turn many a time. This is a terrific portrait of the human condition. Fine title, too. Mighty fine.