poem: A weekly poem, read by the author.

"Fourteen Final Lines"

By J. Allyn Rosser
Posted Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006, at 7:27 AM ET

Click here to listen to J. Allyn Rosser read this poem.


The favored sight is that which disappears.
Wise angels only hum, and hide their wings.
Some toxins will not drain except by tears.
The monkey throws his feces as he swings.
In heroes, it's the flaw that most endears.
We watch the puppet show to spot the strings.
Success occurs when you forget to fail.
Some people seem more naked when they're dressed.
(The garter and bouquet but not the veil.)
He dreams about the smiles she suppressed.
The prisoner doesn't care who makes his bail.
Some stones bleed if resolutely pressed.
The bay leaf is never served with the stew.
I'd never have said this if not to you.

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J. Allyn Rosser's two books of poetry are Misery Prefigured and Bright Moves. She teaches at Ohio University.
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