If time was the fire, you entered barefoot and unmasked to spin within its heat, collecting what you could until it was time to march again. You stepped from it and promised to return, bending low to gather the fathers you carried on your back.
You dreamed of warm houses in winter. Your dream had humor, then its genius thickened. You bloomed into ruin, the heavy bear. And yet.
Somehow, sparks from the fire you absorbed continued to flicker after your lonely death, and other strangers––heaving, heavy bears, baring ourselves––marching long nights with the weight of dead fathers on our backs, would see it, and keep on.
***
Inspired by the life, work (and untimely death) of Delmore Schwartz (1913-1966).
Wonderfully written, Stacey. Thanks
Thank you for this, Michael. I had great material to work with : )
This makes me think both of generational pain being passed down and of rabbits chasing carrots on sticks. Nicely written!
I love that this is what it conjures for you, Alex. Thank you for this!
You betcha! 😄