Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PRODIGAL SON, by DAVID IGNATOW


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PRODIGAL SON, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I went back for redress
Last Line: In setting him adrift
Subject(s): Fathers & Sons


Bird darting across my windshield as I drive,
what are you trying to tell me? Speak up.
I'm entitled to know. How often do you
have to dart past without telling me,
forcing me to guess? Guess what?
Dip your wings in a promise,
but it has happened so fast
I can't be sure.

I can look for good fortune in the next
few days and I can also look for signs
of misfortune, to guard myself against
further encroachment on my life,
so I'm adequately prepared by you,
my windshield bird, but let me know one day
in which guess I am right. I'll wait
and be cautious all the while.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net