by Larry Pollans of Kay Herzog
The uneven landscape
Of human readiness,
Readiness that implies something knowable
For which we may be ready
Uneven when forces from within
Face those from without.
The blankness of a magician’s face
As he pulls the rabbit from the hat
The kindness of the doctor
When he tells you something difficult to hear
The triumphant look of the runner
Winning a close race in near record time
The radiant strength of the mother
Newly with child
The ambiguity of a smile
From an old friend.
And how that landscape changes
In moments of surprise
Disappointment, anger.
What is character
Except the prominence of some features
Ready to engage
Adaptable to the moment
And others, furrowed deeply
Little changed
But suggesting beliefs
Enduring threads of thought
Traces of past struggles
Inklings of irony.
Aaltoe's Blog 
February 20, 2021 at 1:10 pm |
Some prairie landscapes of stoic Character?
Some coastal landscapes of tranquil Character?
Other mountainous landscapes of wild Character?
Canyon landscapes of patient Character?
and meadows of Openness?
Slow tectonic shifts – barely detectable.
And yet
Roaring prairie tornadoes,
Furious coastal typhoons,
Mudslides dismantling imperturbable rock,
Flash floods ripping earth,
and firestorms charring completely.
Furrowed and eroding
Permanent and passing
Characters ready to hand
and Characters poised to receive.
Yes, ironic indeed!