Sonja James
Argument
for Michael Glaser
Say the tiny argument
wrapped in tissue
& presented to the world
is an argument for peace.
Once unwrapped by
the gentle pacifist of a boy
who leads the crowd
to the public square,
it will grow heavy
in the hand until it is passed
along from one curious
onlooker to the next.
Moving from hand to hand
as in the game of "hot potato,"
it will then be light like a sponge
& just as powerful:
cleansing trigger happy fingers,
drying sweaty palms.
Reckless
for my sons
Caution,
that inhospitable stance,
thrown to the wind.
Rushing now.
Not taking
time to think.
To leap
without looking.
Yes, careless.
Sometimes
it works—
accomplishes the feat
of spiting
maternal exhortations
to be "careful."
Call such blatant disregard
"youth." Then, call it
"the days fly by."
Summon it.
Study it.
Let it break your heart.
Sonja James is the author of three collections of poetry: Calling Old Ghosts to Supper (Finishing Line Press, 2013), Children of the Moon (Argonne House Press, 2004), and Baiting the Hook (The Bunny & the Crocodile Press, 1999). Her poetry has appeared in FIELD, The Iowa Review, Innisfree, Court Green, MARGIE: The American Journal of Poetry, Crab Creek Review, Kestrel, 32 Poems, The Journal, Beloit Poetry Journal, Verse Daily, and Poet Lore, among others. Among her honors are two Pushcart Prize nominations. In 2007, she was the co-winner of the Sotto Voce Award. In addition, she has contributed book reviews to The Montserrat Review, Smartish Pace, and The Journal. She has two sons and resides in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
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