.
He says it
like both a punch
-line and a mantra, like he means
for it to define him instead of the
other thing. He smiles
a lot now,
more than he used to
even, as if to curl a crescent
deeper than his scars. As if the
absence of something so
insignificant as hair might
……..(en)
-lighten a person. As if somehow
he’s arrived already on the
other side,
ready all ready
to see more than
the why.
The rest of us
will have to
cross that road
when we get to it.
.
Written for Margo Roby’s Wordgathering.
Inspired by an animal portrait (or two) over at the amazing Tim Flach photography site. Check out his More Than Human portfolio for some poignant, gorgeous photos.
See if you can find which ones inspired this poem.
Whimsygizmo's Blog 
Interesting, de. I have been following and reading your poetry for a long time and this sounds like a new path in style and voice. As ever, I enjoy watching how you construct a poem.
Thank you, Margo. I’m happy to know you’re behind the scenes sometimes, reading. 😉
I agree with Margo, this is different and I LOVE it! I think it was the first portrait that pops up but I’m not certain what other one…
This has depth and brings one to contemplate the things in life that really matter. Excellent work, De!
Hannah, there’s a hint in “why” and “cross that road.” 😉
Oh!! A riddle…you’re so tricky…I love it! So a chicken? I’d have to look again, I think for the why…. 🙂
Oh…I know now!! Poor guy. Doesn’t seem right though really.
It’s a new breed or something, not plucked. Still not sure it’s good for the animal, though.
Very clever! “curl a crescent / deeper than his scars” was my favorite part. Along with “might-en!”
This is a many layered poem. As if he was tired of being defined by the chicken/egg conundrum – now he’s defined by his lack of coverage.
But this really could be about someone dealing with baldness – and reaching a higher plane in the process. Somehow all the taking away that happens as we age really does seem to do that to us, doesn’t it? Makes us realize what truly is important. And indeed, it is not why!
Don’t know the pics, so those codes aren’t enlightening me. I like the poem anyway because of the why of crossing this road to sudden geniality. No more struggle, no more trying to maintain what is passing … but for a while it is an act we try to grow into. It gets easier, I hope.
I’m dying know which photo inspired this marvellous poem!
Misky, it was both the amazing bald chimp photo, AND the bald running chicken.
I think it was the bald chimp–yes? Amazing photos–did you look at the Equus section–I want…no. I need #30. Loved the might-en lighten, and uncovering the strength in letting go of baldness as defining you.. 🙂