Young Ruth Carlton I think I remember the shine of those aged eyes strained through focusing tears now knowing the cycle in the approach of her forgetfulness "Do not be afraid, for you have another son." And Jacob set a pillar Frail glances like mercury bead and shine in the low places and mirror life in the wrap of their circumference Shine on the low people and bathe them in hoarse melodies unto the third and fourth generation Do not be afraid, for you have another son. Kansas and California have come of age and you have known them as equals have peopled them with the kindest heads nourished them with plum preserves and clippings from the Geographic "Have you never heard this song?" And sing on, more slowly Do not be afraid, for you have another I am yet another son of birthright (How young you must have seen me) come to set a pillar of monumental retrospect to half-remembered eyes. [first published in the January 1991 edition of Donatio Inter Vivos.]