Today’s poem was part of a special launch schedule during National Poetry Month from April 1—30, 2024. I posted a new poem daily for 17 days and then got knocked off schedule because…I moved! This challenge restarted on May 1 and continues for the 13 days I missed. The final summary of all poems will be sent to all subscribers on May 24 and otherwise can be viewed for free in the archives here. Thank you for being here!
“THE DISAPPEARING ACT”
Your magic is disappearing, Once taut, a long plain Stretched horizon-like till there Was nothing. It came first As a bending, Ebbs and waves of crushing disappointment, Every man in it for himself, The day they saw you after the great hiding, And noted in varying degrees: wrinkles, weight, what have you become. At least my brother Had the decency to say I no longer looked frail. (I mean, I’m still a puddle of flesh and bones.) Of course I knew, I was the one Who had to throw out all my clothes, Every lovingly curated piece and impulse buy, Because now I’m too old to squeeze, try, bite. & then came the snap: Big bang in reverse, Bet you don’t know what happens at the end of the universe. All the magic, when it’s not sucking It in, and puckering up, Goes somewhere According to science and yearning. It’s not in me anymore, isn’t that a relief? No exorcism required, no puppet master fairy godmother To expel. The magic travels light, is found in: The taste and tepid-sunshine of butter, His calves grown chiselled over the years in ways mine don’t, How weariness opens my body in ways outside my responsibility, & the world all baby-pink and engorging As I disappear.
P.S.
This poem was inspired by the title and first line of
’s post today (go read it!):