Remembering
Joel Fallon
Benicia, CA
Morning Bird
A bird pauses in the dark calligraphy
of branches against the brushed
aluminum sky—
then flicks away into the icy morning.
I pull up the covers,
close my eyes
and develop
that picture.
Joel Fallon
Copyright © 2 February 2005
Reclining Woman, Black and White Photograph
Transfixed, I studied the photograph of a reclining woman, naked as a peeled apple, her back to the camera, jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Suddenly, the purported origin of the Trojan War
seemed plausible. Men would slaughter others
to capture and possess her.
seemed plausible. Men would slaughter others
to capture and possess her.
The photograph explored her body as a basilica, caressing her shoulders, arpeggioing down the white keys of her spine, celebrating her buttocks.
Surely, she was evidence that God must love us.
I turned to leave the gallery and saw a tall woman regarding me with a wry,
knowing smile.
I’m sure she thought, “Eat your heart out, you old goat.”
Not a bull’s-eye but not much off target.
Not a bull’s-eye but not much off target.
Copyright 3 May 2010