Like an autumnal leaf
Gently waltzing with the wind
Here and there, until coming to rest
In a pool of water, causing the aquatic reflector
To wrinkle; I think of you and it takes some time
To remember to forget about you.
Would you be proud?
Would you praise or condemn these fingers
That feel whole when perched on a pen and not pig skin?
Cuticles stained with ink,
Trenches occasionally occupied by nylon.
Would you teach me anything significant?
I shaved with the help of magazines.
I learned how to treat a woman from the way
Clark Kent embraced Miss Lane.
The transcendent value of a dollar was taught to me
By a prepubescent entrepreneur across the street
Desperate for the missing quarters his lemonade was worth.
So what would you give me? Lessons? Gifts?
Happiness? A harmonic resonance to eradicate
These moments of dissonance?
Or perhaps your greatest gift was absence.
Instead of a young, pliable counterpart I am
Myself. My own source of instruction.
But when I am blessed with a child of my own
I will provide them with every single moment
I wish I could have had with you.
© 2011
The Juice Bar 
Ben, your poem gave me chills
“Or perhaps your greatest gift was absence.”
I can relate…thank you for such strong work
you are a remarkable poet. Welcome to
The Juice Bar! Lisa 🙂
Thank you VC for this amazing photograph, I am your biggest fan. 🙂
Ben, I’ve already told you how I feel about your work (in person) –Your depth and soul astound me–and yet, make complete sense.
I will never forget your mother bringing you to Poetry In Motion when you were days old and holding you in her arms as she read her own gorgeous words.
Clearly this poem speaks to me and in particular, Mason, and his now-fatherless journey. I can’t wait to read and hear more of your poetry.
Love from S.H.
You have tapped into what’s missing and made it whole. Terrific poem, Ben.
beautiful LK!!
Love this poem
With your foto
Thanks VC!
Sent on the Now Network from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Oh, Ben, this is extraordinary! This killed me:
I shaved with the help of magazines.
I learned how to treat a woman from the way
Clark Kent embraced Miss Lane.
The transcendent value of a dollar was taught to me
By a prepubescent entrepreneur across the street
Desperate for the missing quarters his lemonade was worth.
So much said in so very little.
Bravo!
J
Love it!
Wow. Heart-wrenching and beautiful.
Ben,
I love your images and the heart and soul in this poem.
So glad to see your work at the Juice Bar.
Roz
Ben I can not even put into words how deeply touched i am by your work your soul and the goodness you project as a human being.
You are humble wise beyond your years.
This poem touched me very deeply.
This closing says so much
“But when I am blessed with a child of my own
I will provide them with every single moment
I wish I could have had with you.”
Wow.Economy of language rich textured astounding simple yet brilliant.
Thank you so much for your reading and your sharing for sensing others needs and listening to them.
You have tapped into an ever flowing stream and you can nourish and be nourished by this constant movement and sense of what can only be hinted at in words and phrases that leave the receiver of your poem
the possibility of continuing to live in it.
Love to you and good wishes for a grand life.
When i meet someone lie you I feel hope in the world.
LOve
Stevie
Stephen