Posted by giveawayboy on May 12, 2002 at 18:18:20:
there is no way to explain
the stab of numbness and cancellation
the pride and glory of this moment
when the mockingbird flies over scattered birdseed
and tar fields mapped out in shaving cream
there is no way to explain
you are not permitted
the exactness and correctness of this moment
when the older son stands awk-like on some dangerous diving board and they sing
it is well with my soul
how the hell could he have taken his daughters?
damned sea billows!
damned mocking-insert-angry-expletive-bird!
there is no way to explain
you are not permitted
who is the man in the grey shirt?
numbness and cancellation
sitting in the back between two old ladies
like a hidden jewel
while the lost soul postures himself
standing awk-like watching his younger sister pass in her train of glory
the goodness and rightness of this moment
you must keep silent before it
while they mummify the car
and bind you in fetters or propriety
these are all good people
we cannot show those feelings here
they could pierce you with a lance and kiss you at the same time
but only certain kisses can be memorialized
others are swift and business like and happen in shady afternoon hallways
still others are not permitted and may never come
these cannot be discussed
you mustn't
you are not permitted
etiquette demands this
she will put you in a thousand and one foreign jackets and coats
she will mummify you
as the mockingbird skates over the children's nappy toe-heads
and as the grown-ups gossip and as they continue singing
even so, it is well with my soul
and everything you want the most and can never have crashes around your feet
like 130 empty plastic cups
bill may 2002