Rituals Of Discovery Poem by Seamus O' Brian
Rituals Of Discovery
it was a rite of passage
the reflection of ascendancy
repeated for the fifth and last time
the summation of the best parts
of fatherhood whisked together
into dolphin kisses, shivering wetsuits
salted pretzels and skimming stingrays
the procession morphing from discovery
to anticipation, from routine to satisfaction;
reflecting with a strange but familiar symmetry
the grander task itself of conducting children
from the discovery of birth to the doorstep of life.
I can't separate in my mind the shimmering smile
of who glanced up at me when, with what kind
of bird on their arm or another, but the whole
is so much better than the parts, anyway.
Just like family.
Beautiful poem written in heightened poetic diction with conviction. Thanks for sharing.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/7/2024 11:57:53 AM # 1.0.0.1119
CONDUCTING CHILDREN FROM THE DISCOVERY OF BIRTH TO THE DOORSTEP OF LIFE - That's as fine a definition of the parental role as I could hope for. It emphasizes both the long stretch of time involved in parenting, which demands unusual commitment, doesn't it? Thank God, they can help out when they get older! But you also emphasize DISCOVERY - wonderful word, the antedote to boredom - which happens to both children AND their parents. Your poem made me remember and appreciate once again those discoveries I made because I had a curious, energetic, follow-after-me son. Your poem is going to touch many readers deeply and help them to preserve this blessed past of family.