It's not merely that I am father to five (two of whom were avid basketball players, as one still is at 41) that makes this poem, for me, one of the best and most moving I have read in ages. I see so much in the "prestige" print magazines that makes me think, "These may be hip– I'm not so can't tell– but is anyone seriously MOVED by this stuff?" Thanks for the poem!
It's not merely that I am father to five (two of whom were avid basketball players, as one still is at 41) that makes this poem, for me, one of the best and most moving I have read in ages. I see so much in the "prestige" print magazines that makes me think, "These may be hip– I'm not so can't tell– but is anyone seriously MOVED by this stuff?" Thanks for the poem
That "circle of an empty embrace" makes me think of being the basket, holding my arms out for them in the shape of the basket, even moving so that their ball goes in, what a body does for love.
Of course I read this the day I drop my only at school for the first day of his last year of elementary school. It goes so fast. I love the tone of this poem and the image is so clear and singular.
Yes, I love this aspect of the poem. So vulnerable, and unguarded--two things you don't want to be while playing basketball. The grief and acceptance are so easy to access.
What a deep pleasure to read a narrative poem about the cycle of life. Feels as if I've longed for this poem. Sincerely, Rochelle
Such a sweet of a poem. We have just such a net which I refurbished for our grands.
Wonderful.
It's not merely that I am father to five (two of whom were avid basketball players, as one still is at 41) that makes this poem, for me, one of the best and most moving I have read in ages. I see so much in the "prestige" print magazines that makes me think, "These may be hip– I'm not so can't tell– but is anyone seriously MOVED by this stuff?" Thanks for the poem!
It's not merely that I am father to five (two of whom were avid basketball players, as one still is at 41) that makes this poem, for me, one of the best and most moving I have read in ages. I see so much in the "prestige" print magazines that makes me think, "These may be hip– I'm not so can't tell– but is anyone seriously MOVED by this stuff?" Thanks for the poem
That "circle of an empty embrace" makes me think of being the basket, holding my arms out for them in the shape of the basket, even moving so that their ball goes in, what a body does for love.
This is a wonderful image, Emma. I love your interpretation of the parent as a basket, holding so much.
Of course I read this the day I drop my only at school for the first day of his last year of elementary school. It goes so fast. I love the tone of this poem and the image is so clear and singular.
Those little (and big) milestones signaling their growing independence are full of so many contradictory feelings. Sending you a big hug!
Such a beautiful yet unpretentious poem. It doesn’t pretend to be more than itself, yet says so much of truth and sadness and life.
Yes, I love this aspect of the poem. So vulnerable, and unguarded--two things you don't want to be while playing basketball. The grief and acceptance are so easy to access.