LAMENTATIONS

by David Eide

XXXXV On occasion the poet will pass a
man in the street who resembles his
father. Oh , poor and great father! The
poet realizes that the Father is enamored
of science and regards anything less than
science with contempt. Therefore, it
stands to reason that the poet chasing
down he delicate and precise words of his
desecrate imagination raises nothing but a
futile sort of contempt in the Father.
When the poet goes to see him. the
Father is aloof and demonstrates by some
word or gesture that he disapproves of the
activity and the pursuit of it.
The poet bows his head and leaves early to
return to the confusions of the city that
mix strongly enough to drown out the voice
of the Father.
Are not the masters strong enough to
keep the Father at bay until the work is
confident enough to go forward?
Great affection is felt in the memories that
pass showing the Father wit the boy,
taking the boys hand and tickling it on the
stubby chin. Several good words from the
Father would be sufficient to release the
poet from a terrible burden But since they
are not forthcoming, the memories are a
burden.