what of that uncle
he only thought about
visiting but never did
always remembering the
smooth
rides in his Cadillac that
were so different than the
bumping
jostling adventures
riding in his father’s
Ford
and his uncle’s bellowing,
baritone
provocations at Christmas
there was no arguing
only resignation in
response
but he sure could fix TVs
what can he fix with these
mismatched words
square pegs in round holes
no Phillips screwdriver to
drive home
an apology, an explanation
no child’s toy, no
Chocobaby here
to ignite laughter
to extinguish
disappointment
on both sides
he imagines his mother’s disappointment
a grandmother’s dismay
at this estrangement, this
separation
but who can say
who can talk a way out of
this
adult, or child grown into
an adult
who, if anyone
can be big enough to
fashion
the escape from this trap
of pride
this mess of
misunderstanding
which generation will
blink
ending this distant
stand-off
who will flinch, hold
hubris at bay
and reach out
or who will just walk away
never looking back
ignoring regret, love
uncle or niece
Barry DeCarli
February 10, 2012
Copyright 2012 Barry
DeCarli
