on reading The Life of John Donne

Izaak Walton looked at sainthood

with eyes and concepts so different

from my own

assuming ‘ownership’ of wives

and the ‘good fight’ in terms

of racking up points – not in this

world – but primarily in the next

so, for all Walton’s humor and enthusiasm, i read of his friend’s sacrifices and trials

lamenting the loss of Donne’s striking

words rather than taking joy

in marvel of his pain

achy angry

achy long enough begets angry

angry yields snappish

pondering after requires apology

ah, to not have had the achy

in the first place

relieved

the pain did not disappear

but finding out what was wrong

and learning that it will not

devour her lifespan

is something to be endured

and conquered by time

and courage

relief so blessed by daughter

and her mother