STREP THROAT
I sleep in my son's bed,
his comforter billowing
over me like meringue,
the poems of Che Guevara
under my pillow.
When my wife comes home,
she lets the dog in,
the dog who loves me
unconditionally. What did
Che call his apolitical friends?
Drunks, singing, their throats
about to be cut. The dog
loves me for myself, morose,
apolitical, the tang of penicillin
on my skin & he scuttles
down the hall, wondering
where I am, finally
wriggling the comforter
aside & draping himself
over my head like
someone's flung beret.
So who voted this a seven? Not Abekah or Mandolyn surely (being 97 she usually forgets to vote) . I am just one guy and I hate strep throat. You get a 10.0 from me in sympathy alone. I can relate even if you don't rhyme.: -)
Much enjoyed reading your interesting work, sending lots of good wishes.
hey, jefferson! i just re-read and re-enjoyed this poem. anything new to post? interested, glen kappy
Pamela, thanks for your kind words about this poem. if you get the chance, check out my new website: jeffersoncarterverse.com Tell me how you like it, and, if you do, perhaps share with interested friends? Thanks! Yrs, JC
Already did. I listened to your interview and read several more of your poems...especially enjoyed Heavy (I think that was the title) . Nice production values on the site. I like the pages turning to read your best hits. I'd be happy to share. Best to you.
I had to read your poem because of the title. I've raised three children and we had a major strep to scarlet fever outbreak...but I've never had it. Was the speaker protecting his wife by being in his son's bed, who probably was already affected? Where is the son? The connection between Che Guevara and his apolitical friends getting their throat cut, Strep Throat (could be a similar pain in the same area... ;) , and the apolitical dog that drapes himself over the speaker the way a cat would, intrigues. Your poems are tight story fragments with interesting connections drawn. Refreshing and different for this site.
Pamela, thanks for your kind and perceptive words about this poem. if you get the chance, check out my new website: jeffersoncarterverse.com Tell me how you like it, and, if you do, perhaps share with interested friends? Thanks! Yrs, JC
jefferson, i like this- its accessibility, the warm picture you describe. i stopped, was caught by his comforter billowing over me like meringue which is vivid and original to me and made me want to read more. it took me a moment to catch it, but your dog draping himself like a beret (can one think of che without one?) added satisfaction to the read. with a domestic scene involving a bed and a book and sickness (in my case, depression) , check out, if you are so inclined, my poem submerged. with you in the poet craft, glen kappy
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
beautiful poem with very nice similes.....words intelligently chosen to describe a nice and amazing scene...... well done Doc.!