Rot
Let's workshop this poem about a man burning the rotten treehouse that he built with his father in what seems to him like yesterday
Rot Hush dotted by staccato pops from the backyard flames, hands warm over the planks in which you and your dad put so many, too damn many, tree-house nails (only a heartbeat ago, it seems).
In "Rot," M. A. Istvan Jr. captures the haunting passage of time through the juxtaposition of a serene backyard fire and the poignant memory of a father-son project. The poem opens with a "hush" broken only by the "staccato pops" of flames, setting a contemplative tone. The warmth of the fire evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia, as hands are warmed over the wooden planks. These planks, once part of a cherished tree-house built with his father, now serve as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of time and the inevitable decay of cherished memories. The tree-house nails, "too damn many" in number, symbolize the effort and love invested in moments that now seem like "only a heartbeat ago."
Istvan's use of imagery and sensory details in this poem brings to life the bittersweet realization of how quickly time passes. The fire represents both destruction and warmth, a duality reflecting the complex emotions tied to memories of the past. The nails, which once held together a symbol of childhood and bonding, now lie in a pile, hinting at the inevitable disintegration of even the most solid structures. This poignant reflection on time and memory resonates deeply, illustrating Istvan's ability to evoke profound emotions through concise, vivid language.
The poem's strength lies in its brevity and the evocative power of its imagery. Istvan invites readers to contemplate their own experiences of time's passage and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The scene of warmth contrasted with the underlying theme of decay creates a powerful emotional impact, highlighting the transient nature of human connections and the moments we hold dear.
M. A. Istvan Jr., Rot, poem, time passage, memory, nostalgia, backyard fire, tree-house, father-son bond, imagery, sensory details, fleeting moments, literary reflection, decay, cherished memories.