The Bagel -- David Ignatow

(Poem #1329) The Bagel I stopped to pick up the bagel rolling away in the wind, annoyed with myself for having dropped it as if it were a portent. Faster and faster it rolled, with me running after it bent low, gritting my teeth, and I found myself doubled over and rolling down the street head over heels, one complete somersault after another like a bagel and strangely happy with myself. -- David Ignatow

A charming poem, striking just the right balance of absurdity and
seriousness. And quite apart from its metaphorical meaning, it evokes a very
literal and physical image - the childhood memory of running downhill as
fast as I could, until I was not so much running as bounding, very out
of control and very exhilarated. And, yes, strangely happy with myself.

I must admit to not caring much for Ignatow's poetry in general; today's
poem was a very welcome exception.

martin

Links:

  Biography:

http://www.dlxs.org/products/archive-by-CDROM/4/TextClass/src/web/a/ampo20/bios/am22034.bio.html