Vox Populi
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Al Maginnes: Transition
The day we got wings was a disaster.
Unable to navigate, we swerved
into power lines, spiky limbs, hit others
as clumsy as we were. There were casualties—
the power lines or sailing full speed
into windows or brick walls. A few might have
tangled with low flying planes. Medics took
a long time responding because they had
no control over their wings, over this
new power some already questioned.
Most of us learned to fly well enough,
to fold our wings for sleep and to keep them clean.
But a few hollow-boned rose from among us
and sailed into the lives they were meant for.
Copyright 2024 Al Maginnes
Al Maginnes has published poems in Poetry (Chicago), Georgia Review and Plume. His many books include Fellow Survivors, New and Selected. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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That way this poem follows an illogical poetic principle to its poetic conclusion is wonderful. Good job, Al!
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‘poem follows an illogical poetic principle to its poetic conclusion…’ Well-phrased, Mary!
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Ah, a good one! Thanks Al, thanks Michael.
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Al is one of my favorite poets.
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LOVE this! What an amazing idea (metaphor), and two wonderful last lines.
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Some poems project clear pictures on the brain’s big screen. This one did that for me. A world of baby birds learning to fly. Clumsy teenagers catching on before their elders.
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A lovely allegory…
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Hey Al!
wonderful poem! What a flight of fancy this post solunar engagement!
thankyou
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Thanks, Sean!
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