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Contents | October 2003

More on poetry from The Atlantic Monthly.
The Atlantic Monthly | October 2003
 
The Situation

by John Skoyles
 
 .....
 
audioear pictureHear the author read this poem (in RealAudio)


 It's tough, isn't it, star,
to be harangued
by every strain
of brimming heart?

It's hard, isn't it, moon,
when crowds fidget
with their swizzle sticks
as you brighten the bay?

And head, doesn't it hurt
when love ignites
its pesky orbit
and all logic strays?

Hot, isn't it, sun?

Admit it's a relief, shade,
to wear camouflage
while the flamboyant
fade away.

Go ahead, god,
and blame this mess
of blood
and flesh on free will.

That's life, isn't it, death,
when guardrails
along the steep drive home
bristle with wreaths and bouquets?

What do you think? Discuss this article in Post & Riposte.
John Skoyles teaches at Emerson College. He is the author of a collection of nonfiction, Generous Strangers, and three books of poetry, most recently Definition of the Soul.
Copyright © 2003 by The Atlantic Monthly Group. All rights reserved.
The Atlantic Monthly; October 2003; The Situation; Volume 292, No. 3; 102.
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