Something Lost, Something Trivial
Another word, another bewildered
moment in transition: the phrase
barely emerges from your mouth
before crumbling back into a half-opened
drawer in the loneliest room of a house
that died seventeen years ago.
I nod as if in understanding, and stoop
to pick up a crushed drinking straw,
the kind with the accordion elbow
that facilitates adjustment.
From a rooftop across the street,
a mockingbird warbles his
early morning medley of unrelated
songs, and you say left oblique,
followed by matches, then
collapse on a bench,
winded. I sit next to you
and we both enjoy the warmth
and birdsong, though I know
this only through the uplifted
corner of your mouth, which
these days is how you indicate
either deep pleasure or
fear. I have to leave soon,
I say, and you grab my wrist
and stare into my eyes.
Broom, you reply. And more
emphatically, Broom!
Though I cannot follow you
directly, knowing both path
and destination, I pick my way
carefully through the years
stacked high like cardboard
bankerβs boxes stuffed with
papers and receipts no one
will ever see. I know, I say.
I love you, too. Broom.
* * *
“Something Lost, Something Trivial” was published in January 2016 in the first issue of MockingHeart Review. Many thanks to editor Clare L. Martin, for her multiple kindnesses. I am reading with Clare and Bessie Senette on Saturday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Malvern Books in Austin.
O at the Edges 
This is touching in so many ways… soft, yet accentuated with sadness. Beautiful imagery… thank you for sharing this wonderful piece!
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Thanks very much, Miriam.
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Your observations are so true.
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π
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“I nod as if in understanding…”
Some kinds of understanding don’t matter at all.
Some kinds matter most.
I so wish I could attend your reading on the 20th! I’ll be there in spirit. π
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We would have fun. I envision a glass of cava or cognac afterward, in our natural habitat.
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A Studebaker?
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That’s one option!
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π
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Oh my – stephanielharper exchange ups my curiosity considerably! I definitely plan to be present for your reading on the 20th … looking forward to Okaji live.
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Iβm looking forward to meeting you in person!
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Beautiful poem, Robert..you have such a range.
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You are too kind, as always. Thank you.
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Some people have heart, some people have talent.
You are twice blest.
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Thank you, Sarah. You have made my day!
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“Another word, another bewildered moment… the loneliest room of a house that died seventeen years ago”. That first stack of lines is a perfect poem unto itself, like some kind of jumbo haiku thing!
You are still batting so close to 1000, it might as well be 1000!
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I pop out quite often! But thank you, Daniel.
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Reblogged this on Leigh's Wordsmithery and commented:
Attend a Stellar Poetry Reading in Texas!
Friend Bob Okaji and others will be providing your soul with a healing dose of what I like to call “poetry Rx” on Saturday, October 20, at Malvern Books in #Austin (Texas). This #poem is an example of his work. Go, listen, learn, enjoy! #poetry #amreading #amlistening
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Thank you for this, Leigh! Much appreciated!
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Love. You have captured it here.
This one has layers of wow that all come together in the end.
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Thank you, Ali!
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Deep
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