The Rain is Why I Live in Seattle

In every wall, I see a father-shaped absence— A Wile E. Coyote impact crater Of paternal loss. Can I really be A 55-year old son lonely For the father who died when he was Only 62? Yes, I can! And now, at my age, More and more of my father figures—all Those half-broken wise men who half- Replaced my broken father— Are terminally ill or they’re already dead. That’s how it works. If our lives go as planned Then we’ll bury every father. And we love them as they love us. And we love them as they love us And Jesus, it’s raining in Seattle again And today I believe That every other rain drop Is a damp tombstone And that every other rain drop Is a small father Trying to nourish the world. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shermanalexie.substack.com/subscribe