CASPER
THE FRIENDLY GHOST
I don't want to sentimentalize their lives,
Lives I wouldn't want to live, but did,
Happily as most children, though
I wouldn't eagerly again. It was a life
Lived for children and dependent upon
Children's spark, dark and childish
In their absence. Its glees were simple as bells
Ring, gold coins spill, a priest sings.
But kids are mostly quick, get up and out,
Leaving behind what's best left, but not
Without remorse. They return, but can't,
So when they do they dull too which can't be
Proved, rebuked, or ignited
By metaphor, for who are these parents
But blunderers like you and me, adult others
As unlike us as our origins, full of hope and
Children hopping around and off, because
Despite our hopes there's only love to hold us
Here, a love without hope except for children
Quick to grow and go to the coast or, better,
Cross to Italy, beautiful Italy, where the future
Lacks capital to oppress the persisting.
Lives I wouldn't want to live, but did,
Happily as most children, though
I wouldn't eagerly again. It was a life
Lived for children and dependent upon
Children's spark, dark and childish
In their absence. Its glees were simple as bells
Ring, gold coins spill, a priest sings.
But kids are mostly quick, get up and out,
Leaving behind what's best left, but not
Without remorse. They return, but can't,
So when they do they dull too which can't be
Proved, rebuked, or ignited
By metaphor, for who are these parents
But blunderers like you and me, adult others
As unlike us as our origins, full of hope and
Children hopping around and off, because
Despite our hopes there's only love to hold us
Here, a love without hope except for children
Quick to grow and go to the coast or, better,
Cross to Italy, beautiful Italy, where the future
Lacks capital to oppress the persisting.