The ice is melting, my father.

Chromatic scratches and guano

streak this coop; I’m half-chicken, I’m bony, turning blue. Remember among the asters as a little boy you played black bear

to my salmon in that leafy river; caught me on your big head, you bore

me dizzy, drunk as a lord on your shoulders.

I feel your eyes like a generation

fall on me, such tremendous admiration.

No, it’s not too much to ask in our mutual darkness.

So, my head to yours I incline: your want is greater than mine.