a strange spring induced dream
standing in the backyard of
Tom and Linda Coffey
spring, 1996:
i am consoling my uncle.
he is distraught over the loss of his wife.
my father stands next to me with wise words
my 21 year-old arm, wrapped around his shoulders.
my uncle cups his face in his rough, ruddy hands.
i begin picking the buttery golden blooms
of dandelions growing wild in the grass.
i don't hold them up to my chin
like i did when i was 8
to see if i was the sort of boy who liked butter.
instead, i eat them by the handful
recalling bradbury's dandelion wine
and how i longed to know what it tasted like.
at least in this place they are delicious.
i have wandered to the opposite corner of my yard.
my father and uncle have followed me
wrapped up in their own, grown-up conversations.
i notice my mother and her sister.
they are standing at the back door.
they seem excited about something.
they want me to come in the house;
congratulate my brother on his bride to be.
i am unconvinced and continue picking flowers.
my mother says something like, "he needs you"
and then, sadly, "you're his only brother."
i reply quietly, "not for long."
suddenly i'm alone with a lonely uncle.
i ask him if he's tried eating dandelions.
he croons, "i always thought it was just a weed."
i feel sorry for his loss and offer him one.
he receives it and smiles,
glad to be in my company.
posted by cody | 5:40 PM
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