The Weight of Him
In the dental chair, my heart banging
against my ribs like a prisoner
in a burning jail, I remember
how cold Dad was, in cashmere coat,
well-shined leather shoes, shivering
as we walked from East End to York,
each step he took, among his last on Earth.
I imagine gravity dragging at his weight,
the heavy slowness of his gait.
If each of us cannot be anywhere
other than where we are, please explain
how I connect with the dead like this,
whenever the dental dam goes in,
whenever they say to me, be still.
by Laura Foley, first Published in One, Jacar Press
Editor’s Note: The imagery of this poem is startling and sharp as it layers multiple narratives atop each other.
Leave a Reply