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Stationed

By Albert Goldbarth b. 1948 Albert Goldbarth

It's the other ones, who soon enough return

to being happy after the funeral, that are nearest

to their own deaths—in their gaiety

and everyday distraction, they're so open

and unguarded . . . anything could enter them;

could claim them. It's the ones who weep

incessantly that are saved for now, the ones

who have taken a little of it

into their systems: this is how

inoculation works. And sorrow is difficult,

a job: it requires time to complete.

And the tears?—the salt

of the folk saying,

that gets sprinkled over the tail feathers

and keeps a bird from flying;

keeps it stationed in this world.

Source: Poetry (January 2001).

Biography

Acclaimed for its dense, expansive form and linguistic energy, Albert Goldbarth’s poetry covers everything from historical and scientific concerns to private and ordinary matters. His numerous, highly-regarded collections are often filled with long poems which range in style from playful and conversational to serious and philosophical. Goldbarth’s unique style is a mix of complex ideas and detailed descriptions woven together . . .

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