Speaking Beauty 2

I exit with my keen intelligence restored

or is it restored because I am exiting?

or despite the exit—I mean—Could I stay?

And even—I am not asking for permission—

Should I stay?  Sleeping here, I was truly

absent.  And now, when I could be present

finally, I abdicate freely without bribe

or restitution of any kind!?  More Fool I. 

This is my house and I will stay.   I am no

Lear with daughters to test, bequests to plan,

and soldiers to lead in debauchery and

sloth.  It is not time for me to retire.  

Wake then!  Shake house from dungeon

to rooftops.  Open all doors to air what’s

hidden or dead from long misuse.  Charge

up the electric lights.  Eliminate shadows.

You see?  Already I am stronger, my color

is back and I feed on resolution until full.

I am drinking up your surprise at my failure

to leave or die, and I am getting drunk with

possibility.  I feel better than I have in a long

long time.  I will tell you all what “long” is—

adjective and verb.  Long is extended dreaming

full of desires which will no longer be deferred.

Posted 11/11/2012 for "Poetry Pantry # 123" at Poets United, this is a last-line poem from Speaking Beauty, inspired by Barbara.  The illustration is a woodcut  by Walter Crane (1845–1915), from Wikicommons.

 Copyright © 2012 S.L.Chast
Chosen for book 11/2013