Mangling a Proverb:
He is not wise that parrots the wise.
Wendy Videlock
Last night
we listened to
Wesley McNair
the Maine Poet Laureate
@the delightful Southwest Harbor Library.
He read:
“When She Wouldn’t”
a poem about his Mom’s death
a lost child
with complex family feelings from the Ozark’s.
Her language:
“Mo”
“This a way-that a way”
“Goin’”
brought reconciliation and gratitude
in the end.
His notes,
written in longhand
told a harsh story
its grief
and glory.
Many poets read
when he had finished.
They parroted
the sentiments;
but mostly griped about the cold winter.
And thus,
left his wisdom in the snow
to thaw
its lonesome way home.