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Armand Schwerner

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Bar-Mitzvah Poem for Adam

this confirmation confirms what?
you already know beloved Adam that there is a darkness
of confusion a portion of our portion, the cactuses
sometimes wilt, feel hollow to the caring fingers, and die
you see the exciting elephant-nose fish lifeless afloat
in the expectant afternoon return from school, and you already know
the beautiful energy always available, calm and clear mostly
not giving anything away cheaply prince of your blue eyes, how
do I celebrate you, can this father really see you beloved Adam
whose moral odor has so perfumed my life
through its going-on? may you care
for yourself yes you will so care as you have
persistently and with such spirit's scholarship
for your iguanas your succulents your cacti
your hanging plants, your patience greater
than mine with Mr. Levinsky in social studies, so much you've
taught me in the pleasures of sharing
our spaces alone together.
bar-mitzvah 'son of a good deed'
I was told, life-bearer, man of red earth,
pri haadamah fruit of yourself, we can only know
present moments calm decisions to cut off the snapper's head
when the hook is irretrievable, gullet
beyond repair, son of your finite seconds
you touch the living world gently
as a man in a fullness learns.    you are earning
your face.    you are this man.
                                                love, father.

Page(s) 145

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