Donald Hall's Poem and Richard's Response

"The Raisin" by Donald Hall from White Apples and the Taste of Stone. © Houghton Mifflin
Company. Reprinted with permission.

The Raisin

I drank cool water from the fountain
in the undertaker's parlor
near the body of a ninety-two-year-old man.

Harry loved horses and work.
He curried the flanks of his Morgan;
he loaded crates twelve hours—to fill in
when his foreman got drunk—
never kicking a horse,
never kind to a son.

He sobbed on the sofa ten years ago,
when Sally died.
We heard of him dancing with
widows in Florida, cheek
to cheek, and of scented
letters that came to Connecticut
all summer.

When he was old he made up for the weeping
he failed to do earlier:
grandchildren, zinnias,
Morgans, great-grandchildren.
He wept over everything. His only
advice: "Keep your health."
He told old stories, laughing slowly.
He sang old songs.

Forty years ago his son
who was parked making love in the country
noticed Harry parked making love
in a car up ahead.

When he was ninety he wanted to die.
He couldn't ride or grow flowers
or dance
or tend the plots in the graveyard
that he had kept up
faithfully, since Sally died.

This morning I looked into the pale
raisin of Harry's face.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Ri Richard Lafon responded to the poem.....

"That’s exactly what he said…

It was at Camp Egan, where I went for a weekend with my father for the first of the Oklahoma Summer Arts gatherings. I had just had a fantastic afternoon with Daniel Kiatz and the graphic arts (silk-screen) group, seeing examples of work, learning about the 'tools' of the trade, etc. Later, we were given dinner, 'cafeteria' style – with compartmental trays and group tables and such… I think already that I was already overwhelmed and in that 'focus' mode where I just wanted to sit alone. I really did not want to sit with 'musicians', 'actors' or 'dancers', that are always so in need of attention -- or any of the other students that were from Oklahoma City Schools or Tulsa Schools – so, I picked an empty table. Minutes later, a rotund, bearded fellow, a stranger, and an older guy, sat across from me. I had brought a copy of Richard Braughtigan’s, 'Hawkline Monster' with me to read – so, I wouldn’t look so lonely… I was indeed hungry… One of the 'compartments on the tray contained raisins… 'Hello, I’m Richard Lafon', was all I said, looking down. <> 'Very good to meet you, I’m Donald Hall', he replied – and stared right at my face.

And then, and then, I looked him in the eyes. I never -- ever look anyone 'in-the-eyes'. But, I did for some reason – maybe it was because he offered me an 'eye' back…

I swear to God that I had no idea who 'Donald Hall' was – but I told him about my project that would have to be completed within two days. My 'Hand-Scape' deal… Feeling comfortable – and nervous – but at the same time “comfortable”, I showed him the profile of my hand -- and fingers – and hairs that reflected the fading light -- and explained that this is a “landscape” – a 'hand-scape' that I want to explore… I also showed him a crumpled up copy of a 'Hand' by Abrect Durer that I had in by billfold. (I have absolutely no idea why I kept it – or, what the 'idea' was in the first place.) And then, feeling confidant and then through comparison, I explained that Durer’s was not an accurate depiction…. I had no idea of to whom I was talking, squawking -- this inane information. I was just so excited about my own ideas – and it seemed to me – that I had a listening ear for what felt like, the first time of my life. I mean, this guy seemed to be actually interested in my ideas – and at that time, my peculiar and particular vision… After reviewing our “hand-scapes” for a moment, Donald Hall, picked up a raisin, held it between thumb and forefinger, and stated, 'Don’t you think that raisins remind you of faces?' 'The ‘smell of them too? – Mixed with lavender, mold and stale smoke – yeah, that would remind me of 'faces'…. All of them… The ones that do take the time to “look” me in the eye…"h