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from the issue of November 8, 2007
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American Life in Poetry
BY TED KOOSER, U.S. POET LAUREATE, 2004-2006
Here's a fine seasonal poem by Todd Davis, who lives and teaches in Pennsylvania. It's about the drowsiness that arrives with the early days of autumn. Can a bear imagine the future? Surely not as a human would, but perhaps it can sense that the world seems to be slowing toward slumber. Who knows?
Sleep
On the ridge above Skelp Road
bears binge on blackberries and apples,
even grapes, knocking down
the Petersens' arbor to satisfy the sweet
hunger that consumes them. Just like us
they know the day must come when
the heart slows, when to take one
more step would mean the
  end of things
as they should be. Sleep is a drug;
dreams its succor. How better to drift
toward another world but with leaves
falling, their warmth draping us,
our stomachs full and fat with summer?
Poem copyright (c) 2007 by Todd Davis. Reprinted from "Some Heaven," by Todd Davis, published by Michigan State University Press, 2007, by permission of the author and publisher. Introduction copyright (c) 2007 by The Poetry Foundation. This column is made possible by the Poetry Foundation (www.poetryfoundation.org) and supported by the UNL Department of English. This column does not accept unsolicited poetry.
GO TO: ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 8
ARTS HEADLINES FOR NOVEMBER 8
Hillestad highlights dye techniques in 'Unfurled: Expressive Cloth' exhibit
American Life in Poetry
Director to discuss 'Flying' film at Nov. 9 brown bag
HANGING DAY
IQSC opening is March 30
Mozart, lives of women movies open Nov. 9 at the Ross
'PostSecret' author Warren to deliver Nov. 8 lecture
SAND PAINTING
'Sheldon Survey' exhibit opens Nov. 9
732988S37561X
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