[1329] The Bagel

I stopped to pick up the bagel
rolling away in the wind,
annoyed with myself
for having dropped it
as if it were a portent.
Faster and faster it rolled,
with me running after it
bent low, gritting my teeth,
and I found myself doubled over
and rolling down the street
head over heels, one complete somersault
after another like a bagel
and strangely happy with myself.

	-- David Ignatow

A charming poem, striking just the right balance of absurdity and
seriousness. And quite apart from its metaphorical meaning, it evokes a very
literal and physical image - the childhood memory of running downhill as
fast as I could, until I was not so much running as bounding, very out
of control and very exhilarated. And, yes, strangely happy with myself.

I must admit to not caring much for Ignatow's poetry in general; today's
poem was a very welcome exception.

martin

Links:

  Biography:

http://www.dlxs.org/products/archive-by-CDROM/4/TextClass/src/web/a/ampo20/bios/am22034.bio.html


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