Also, it truly is amazing the medical miracles that are performed multiple times an hour.
My mother is a cancer survivor, the very strong matriarch of our family, but she was never so scared as when she had cataract surgery.
I kept telling her how much she has been though in her life...how this surgery is nothing compared to that. In fact, dozens were getting the same surgery as her that very day in the very same surgery center.
Her only response was "But it's my eyes"!
Her 81 year old eyes are seeing clearer and better than ever.
So I commented on a recent entry about sharing these with my 87 year old father. He doesn't usually respond in writing, but when I shared this one with him, this is what he wrote back: "This guy is priceless. He not only hits home, he touches us where we are today. He pushes us toward the truth. He doesn't overwhelm us, he sidles up next to us, and lets us feel the brotherness/sisterness in us all. I think he uses a form of language that we can adhere to. He is not trying to overwhelm us with his language, He is trying to show us the kinship we have, and how to share ourselves in honesty. Keep them coming.
I love Bruce Lee too. And your father's dragon tattoo.
Just an aside, the streets of this small town in Spain I now live in are decorated with dreamcatchers!! I never expected to see a street decorated with those all the way here!! I'd send you a photo if I knew how to do it.
It was significant when people chose to get tattoos when your father got his or made their own. In those days tattoos were only legal in certain states and likely near ports. Nowadays they are elaborate body art easy to obtain. I once had a boyfriend who carved a long dagger and the words Born to Lose on his forearm. Now there was a message.
Sherman, you are my favorite storyteller, and I say this with great reverence for storytelling...I think storytelling is the main link to our humanity...among the chaos and mishegas...Jeffrey
On second reading of this poem, spliced-in during chronological journey of your earlier works: it is astonishing how much healing you have achieved, peace you have made w yourself and circumstances over time. You seem even more aware and attentive to the causes for anger and despondency, and yet notably more focussed on beauty and redemption. And, thankfully, you could never be accused of toxic positivity. This poem and you are a healing force.
Beautiful thank you for sharing
Thae last stanza just made me stop. Don't know why. Fantastic.
Beautiful...
Ah, Sherman, am connecting with your father again, as I do so many times. Maybe because there are so many wars to fight. Thank you.
"I fought in all of them" awesome.
Also, it truly is amazing the medical miracles that are performed multiple times an hour.
My mother is a cancer survivor, the very strong matriarch of our family, but she was never so scared as when she had cataract surgery.
I kept telling her how much she has been though in her life...how this surgery is nothing compared to that. In fact, dozens were getting the same surgery as her that very day in the very same surgery center.
Her only response was "But it's my eyes"!
Her 81 year old eyes are seeing clearer and better than ever.
I wish bright sights for you.
So I commented on a recent entry about sharing these with my 87 year old father. He doesn't usually respond in writing, but when I shared this one with him, this is what he wrote back: "This guy is priceless. He not only hits home, he touches us where we are today. He pushes us toward the truth. He doesn't overwhelm us, he sidles up next to us, and lets us feel the brotherness/sisterness in us all. I think he uses a form of language that we can adhere to. He is not trying to overwhelm us with his language, He is trying to show us the kinship we have, and how to share ourselves in honesty. Keep them coming.
Love, Dad"
Wonderful. Thank you.
I love Bruce Lee too. And your father's dragon tattoo.
Just an aside, the streets of this small town in Spain I now live in are decorated with dreamcatchers!! I never expected to see a street decorated with those all the way here!! I'd send you a photo if I knew how to do it.
It was significant when people chose to get tattoos when your father got his or made their own. In those days tattoos were only legal in certain states and likely near ports. Nowadays they are elaborate body art easy to obtain. I once had a boyfriend who carved a long dagger and the words Born to Lose on his forearm. Now there was a message.
Whoa! Tattoo as destiny?
In this man's case, yes.
You tell complete stories in your poems. I love them.
Thank you, Kate.
Great writing
Thanks!
I love to read your poems. Then I love to hear you read your poems. Thank you for both.
Thank you, Patty.
Sherman, you are my favorite storyteller, and I say this with great reverence for storytelling...I think storytelling is the main link to our humanity...among the chaos and mishegas...Jeffrey
Thank yoy, Jeffrey.
You are a treasure, Mr. Alexie.
Thank you, DeeDee.
On second reading of this poem, spliced-in during chronological journey of your earlier works: it is astonishing how much healing you have achieved, peace you have made w yourself and circumstances over time. You seem even more aware and attentive to the causes for anger and despondency, and yet notably more focussed on beauty and redemption. And, thankfully, you could never be accused of toxic positivity. This poem and you are a healing force.
Thank you, Lou.
this is beautiful, loving, compassionate, haunting ... i love the wait,wait,wait ... lines.
Thanks, Liz.