A Steady Carry On
By ralph
- 172 reads
A Steady Carry On
after Frank O’ Hara
And when I’m better, I’d like a new wife.
One who is averse to refined sugar
and who does not give me diabetes.
A woman who loves Frank and Billie
as much as unhindered floor space.
When my nightmares disappear, I’d like a new wife.
One who cares about our little bit of money.
Who’ll lay her cards on the table and cut them up.
A lover who knows my illness and knows what to do
when I’m raging inside its stinging wasp nests.
As my eyes turn blue again, I’d like a new wife.
One who’ll read me forensically, ask the right questions
about the rhythms and the truth of it all. What is being said.
A comrade who understands the compassion of red.
Who responds accordingly and without a duplicitous lie.
And when we’re near death, I’ll still want her as my wife.
Unafraid of holding hands, tipping the occasional wink.
When I can no longer chew, she’ll flick crumbs from my chin.
I’ll remind her how beautiful she is in every conceivable light.
She’ll still call me handsome, as our day twists into night.
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Comments
Hi Ralph I think I have
Hi Ralph, I think I have discovered a real poet here...I'm smitten....and that does not happen often. Brilliant poetry! I read lots now, and yes, your skill of expressing things, profoundly, takes my breath away. Have you published anything?
yutka
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Ralph is one
of, not to say the very, best of our poets here on ABCTales. We're very lucky to have him.
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Congratulations, this is today's Pick of the Day, 23 March 2023
Touching, beautiful poetry, with a last line that will stay with me for a long time. That's why it's today's Pick of the Day. Congratulations.
Do please share if you like it too.
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