Alzheimer’s Translation: Anagram

Congratulations. It’s Michael, it’s your father. I’m so proud, I’m so proud of you, and, wait ow, I just dropped something here, wait don’t leave. I, well, I heard the, Greg told me that, that you guys had the baby today, and umm, I’m very proud of you, I’m so proud of you, both of you. I, I know that, I know that Fredrika had the baby today and I’m so happy. I can’t wait to see the two of you in a, you know, I’m sure a few months, but I’ll always be ready. I love you so much, and I love Fredrika very much, god bless you, I love you.
         —Father’s voice message

You got roped in too—that is, 
your own son now
hog-ties your own heart.

You’re raked over the coals now—
that is, your heart’s afire,
you’re a heliac god-hum 
to him.

My orc here is done.
I’m gone, I’m straight mum—
But a father revs on,
a herd of moths 
moshing by a son’s head.

A father juts out of the darker earth,
ratooning from the vale, hosing his son’s grotto, 
meshing him.

My love, my deary, mensch of my loins.
Your son will know me
through your runic wit, which was mine.
 
You’ll nosh each other up.
Out will pour your alas, just wait.

You’ll moisten each other’s most arid lagoons.
You’ll be a ghost and still 
your son will sing your gloria.

Read more from Issue 21.2.