Chattanooga Afternoon / Let’s Talk About Chattanooga
by Bill Yarrow
Let's talk about inconsequence, the muddiness
of sunsets, how the bench got broken, all those
things cruelly torqued by ambition. All right, all
right, you've closed the door, but you still have
the key. Did the decades have no weight? Is
time so subject to evaporation? Did I mention
that I may have to replace the dripcap
on the garage? Did I tell you I'm visiting
Lenny in Waterloo? Donna is pregnant again.
I still believe in regional happiness, you
know. I still believe in rebates. The kids,
scattered in their careers, are doing well.
I want you to know there's still a place
for you at the table. It's a new table, shiny.
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Author's Note
A version of this poem was published in Used Furniture Review on December 5, 2010 as "Let’s Talk About Chattanooga."
Thank you, David Cotrone.
"Chattanooga Afternoon "appears in THE VIG OF LOVE (Glass Lyre Press, 2016).
Other stories by Bill Yarrow
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What we try to talk about love, to paraphrase Carver. I like the indirection, the sad, desperate undertone. "I still believe in rebates." Hold that thought, fella.
Fine poem, heart full.
See seven states from Lookout Mountain!
Not sure if Chattanooga is the best place for ambition, but nice mood-capture.
f'd
Great description of place in the beginning, and then time, action, thoughts, love, and humor. Perfect, if I may say so.
The intimacy and obscurity of this grabbed me. Regional happiness--great phrase.
Yes! fave!
Very interesting jumps here, Bill. *
I like the voice, Bill. Good piece.
Wow, Bill, this is beautifully heartbreaking. I love the candid voice. Beeseeching without begging.
*
The voice in this is the driving force of this poem. Well executed. Great details as well.
Great poem, Bill - that last line in deference to the man he is becoming - brilliant!
And this tells it all: "All right, you've closed the door, but you
still have the key. Did the decades have no
weight? Is time so subject to evaporation?"
Def fav!
Lovely, Bill. A hushed, pared down essence, and straightforward tone is masterful against the word choices.
A story in each line. Wonderful. *
a sucker for this piece, i am. the end, shiny. love.
"...wrapped in outlandish ambition"
!!!
Oh, my. Lovely. Lovely. What a fine poet. Love that you love the Miller Durrell letters too.