American Epic
Through the pig storms we
all enter & the vanity we
wear upon leaving—
Many of us still overate
their value while living through
diseases, traumas, empty homes,
& empty pockets…
You, over there—yes—
You.
Busting in on the beginning
of self-value twenty years ago.
Judging Radiohead somewhat
of value to your stance
of creativity…
A shelf of CD’s
in your bedroom.
A techno beat, unique
to whom?
You—only you?
The filament of background noise
where writing your poems,
your American epic—
Proud, yet detached.
Still self-absorbed in
the desire to seek.
Repeat, repose, tell
reflect.
Give the far away gaze in
your author picture.
Fall, fall, rise, then flatten.
Years—years—pass off, fall away.
Messes evolve, evoke more mundane memories.
New players rise, form, recite beauty.
Tender genius—gracious with the image.
Some still play—listen to new influences
that flies into useful verbiage.
Others see the cliffs fall, senseless unrest.
The fallen grail.
Begrudgingly.
Give up.
Fade away.
Walk with a cane.
Scratch the white beard.
Drive home.
Dan Provost’s poetry has been published both online and in print since 1993. He is the author of 17 books/chapbooks, including Getting Your Bell Rung, which will be released by Luchador Press and Notes from the Other Side of the Bed soon to be published by Anxiety Press. His work has been nominated for The Best of the Net three times, and he has read his poetry throughout the United States. He lives in Keene, New Hampshire with his wife Laura, and dog Bella.
