Richard Carr

[from Richard Carr's Ace, Word Works, 2009]

Seed of Fire

I imagined my grandson growing brilliantly
a seed of fire sizzling and sparking loudly
becoming Little Ace
by falling face first onto the sidewalk
and getting up each time another year older
still crying maybe but starting to scar over
while behind the white tissue his first primitive plan took shape
to run away and handle things on his own
appreciating early his destiny
that he would siphon from the gas tank of life
unaware of my poor example and long days on the street
though it is possible he has seen me at the roadside
when I lift the hood of my car
to examine the silence.

Ace