There is only the breeze through

the branches of Yggdrasil,

only the drizzle on the

tarpaper roof. Father, why did

you leave me here in

mid-life without a manual, without

a reprieve? Today is another

day in paradise. My children

gather around my chair like starfish.

I hold up my head in imitation

of his silvery mane. I look

about me. I growl my last name.