DDCPoetry

Original poem reprinted online here: "What Followed Your Birth" by Hal Sirowitz Originally read: May 23, 2013 More information about the Poet: Hal Sirowitz I think this is a part of Father Said .  I bring up the collection because there's a strong observation of tone and presence from the father in this poem.  What drives this poem further is not only the father, but what the speaker is remember -- what words and combinations impact the speaker who remains silent in this poem. The poem opens up with a reference to the birthday, "You might not like being reminded /of your birthday, Father said, / but your mother & I do."  which brings confrontational elements.  Note how the speaker is just listening and is the focal point, but what version of the speaker.  There is no indication of the current age of the speaker.  Also note that the father is also speaking on behalf of the mother as well. The poem describes the speakers birth as a"happy occasion" an...