Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Poetry Wednesday, Vol. 26

Here

Grace Paley

Here I am in the garden laughing
an old woman with heavy breasts
and a nicely mapped face

how did this happen
well that's who I wanted to be

at last a woman
in the old style sitting
stout thighs apart under
a big skirt grandchild sliding
on off my lap a pleasant
summer perspiration

that's my old man across the yard
he's talking to the meter reader
he's telling him the world's sad story
how electricity is oil or uranium
and so forth I tell my grandson
run over to your grandpa ask him
to sit beside me for a minute I
am suddenly exhausted by my desire
to kiss his sweet explaining lips





6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is fabulous Kris! I love, love that last line. I love the flowing rhythm of this whole poem. I want to know that woman - to be like her when I am old.

Beth Hanna said...

Very sweet! Thanks!

Amy Brown said...

How sweet, I love this poem. Thanks for sharing.

Sandy said...

Sweet and FUNNY! This is one of those women whose reached the age where she's finally content with herself. Love it!

Jennifer said...

Lovely, lovely poem. Going into the favorite file!

Michelle said...

great poem Kris!