The Visitor
Idra Novey
Does no dishes, dribbles sauce
across the floor. Is more dragon
than spaniel, more flammable
than fluid. Is the loosening
in the knit of me, the mixed-fruit
marmalade in the kitchen of me.
Wakes my disco and inner hibiscus,
the Hector in the ever-mess of my Troy.
You can read the last four lines, and listen to Novey read the whole thing, here.
This week I had to take my own Hector to the dentist several times, and had various other parenthood-related trials which I do not have my children's permission to reveal here. But in spite of all the work and effort and noise of kids, they really do "bring the joy."
Today's Poetry Friday roundup is here.
8 comments:
So much to love about this poem! "More dragon than spaniel..." "the loosening in the knit of me..." "the Hector in the ever-mess of my Troy." And the simply stated ending, "tiny B who brings the joy." Thanks so much for introducing me to this poet!
Connections, connections -- we had a visitor the other day -- a box turtle appeared walking up our driveway toward the house. There is a poem about this visitor stewing in my head. I immediately went and read Kay Ryan's TURTLE aloud to my mom and thought of your recent post!
Ruth, your post reminded me of the Rumi poem, "The Guest House":
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
What a wonderful poem and so true. Those little visitors that come to stay make life incredibly rich (and complicated, and worthwhile).
"mixed-fruit marmalade in the kitchen of me"! Delightful.
I love the way she uses all the parts of life, as in 'the kitchen of me'. Our children cross all boundaries, and forever! Sweet poem, Ruth!
I love the metaphors she uses...great way to tie imagery with emotions. Thanks for sharing, Ruth!
Hi Ruth! I've been enjoying visiting this and your other recent posts. You have so much goodness on your blog!
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