 | robert okaji Apr 26 |
Letter to Schwaner from the Toad-Swallowed Moon Dear Jeff: The glow here betrays our fantasies, and between day and night and that uncertain moment when neither holds sway, I have gained a toehold on consequence. Who knew darkness could shine so? Last November the surgeon incised my belly six times but no light oozed out and little crept in. I say little, but feel a peculiar radiance emanating from my middle which I can only attribute to the moon, although the medical professionals would say it's just gas. But what do they know of Sheng-Yu or Li Ho, of jade wheels and spilled cups? Last night, to honor our marching sisters, I looked to the cloud-filled sky and toasted them and our ancestors, the poets and scapegoats, friends, allies, compatriots, Five White and Jackboy, shedding a solitary tear of joy in the process. We won't label the other tears, but I shudder at our country's current course and how the bulging wallets of the rich continue swelling at the expense of the poor and unhealthy, the elderly, the unacknowledged, and those living on the fringes, in colored shadows. If we meet in person on some desolate, moon- free road in a country that could never be, how will I know you but from the ghosts and smiles sparkling in the surrounding fog, and the little voices singing their sad tune of happiness into the night. This is where we stand today, but tomorrow? Look for me on that bench. I'll be the full-bellied fellow, the one with an eclipse leaking from his shirt in a six-point pattern, two glasses in hand, wine uncorked, ready for reptiles and politicians, mirth and causation and good conversation in brightness or tenebrous calm, whichever needs replenishing more. But bring another bottle. Or two. Talking makes me thirsty. Bob. * * * My poem "Letter to Schwaner from the Toad-Swallowed Moon" was first published at The Hamilton Stone Review in October 2017. Much gratitude to editor Roger Mitchell for taking this piece. 
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