I well remember this from the Deep End. In fact, seeing it develop in exhilarating drafts was one of the key reasons I became so addicted to eratosphere so quickly. I agree particularly with Rhina's comment about how much ground it covers in 14 lines without straining or seeming to leave things out. I think it's wonderful!
Still, last time I saw it I had a question or two that I am now brave enough to ask. Without following the discussion of this on Deep End, I would have no idea who Soc Glasrud is. I think the poem itself reveals that he is a surrogate father of sorts to the speaker, as well as a contemporary (and perhaps a friend) of the speaker's father, but that doesn't capture as much of the relationship as I now understand from extra-textual discussion. Likewise--and perhaps more so--I don't think anything in the poem conveys that Vince IS the father. And without knowing that, does "Vince wins" make sense? It's the kind of information that can be conveyed by notes (as in the kind of anthology in which this may one day deservedly reside), but without it isn't this a kind of "coterie" poem (not that there's anything wrong with that)?
A related question: how is "Soc" pronounced?
Thanks to all involved. I was pleased to take another look at this beautiful poem, and my question about it doesn't mean I don't enjoy it. It's just that I wonder whether a reader who saw ONLY the poem would enjoy it as much as I do...
Best, --Simon
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