Neal’s eyes say,
“Give me more of everything all at once.”
The world is new like jazz.
Volcanic innocence and open-mouthed joy burst forth in his smile.
Bare-armed, bare-chested, naked and unafraid,
Neal dances on the edge of all that is.
Ken’s eyes say
“I know where this ends. I’ve seen it before.”
Mirth and sorrow mingle
Together and apart.
Ken tastes love and longing, bittersweet—
All the weariness that ever was and will be.
This poem was inspired by this photograph: https://static01.nyt.com/images/2011/08/01/arts/MAGIC1/MAGIC1-jumbo.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp
