Blinding Light
by David Ackley
Snow sheet on the river
in the dilate white light from
the VA eye clinic, where we
were propped among
all manner of aftermath.
the bent WWII Vet
steadied by a daughter
the old woman wheeling
her basketed little dog
such stinging kindness here
more cognisant now of infirmity
the mirrored limp and halt of others
they of mine the shoes now hard to tie
such now the small decisions like velcro straps
which come to resemble defeat
In the restaurant, I apologize to the waitress for my shades;
with them off, the river blazes like revelation
i'm seeing it,
feeling it. *
small decisions... which resemble defeat
Nodding like a bobblehead doll reading this. Not sure why in particular but I love that last vision, the river blazing "like revelation." It delights and scares me simultaneously. *
Struggling and rising against infirmity does bring a blazing revelation.Too true!
This is a fine poem.
This hurt my eyes.
*
*
*
A big yes to all of it! *
Shoes, hard to tie, such now
the small decisions, velcro straps,
which come to resemble defeat.
Especially this stanza.
I love the whole thing, but the last image is particularly evocative.*
A poem about IT. I really like this a lot. *
Good work. Much enjoyed.*
Poignant for us older ones. *
Wow* Potent work.
...such now
the small decisions...
...all manner of aftermaths
Sigh*
I am more observant now of infirmity.
True. For all of us. At some point and for one reason or another.
*
I am more observant now of infirmity.
True. For all of us. At some point and for one reason or another.
*
Thanks Sara and Susan. I'm happy this piece struck a responsive chord.