The Rain is Why I Live in Seattle

In every wall, I see a father-shaped absence—A Wile E. Coyote impact craterOf paternal loss. Can I really beA 55-year old son lonelyFor the father who died when he wasOnly 62? Yes, I can! And now, at my age,More and more of my father figures—allThose 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 plannedThen we’ll bury every father.And we love them as they love us.And we love them as they love usAnd Jesus, it’s raining in Seattle againAnd today I believeThat every other rain dropIs a damp tombstoneAnd that every other rain dropIs a small fatherTrying 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