David M. Alper

As Startled as Pain

And while a river goes on being a river now you know
the water is real but are in no mood to listen.
Water changes. Things change. Does this save your
misery or does it mean to be lost? Still, a kid whose
crying for his mother is torn by a sea-hawk swooping low
is torn apart by dreams which lift and drop away again.
You really will feel his pain for your own good. On the
outside, in the world, you’re the only one left standing,
you’re still here, and the old man’s gone beyond.


David M. Alper’s forthcoming poetry collection is Hush. His work appears in Invisible City,
Unbound Brooklyn, Mortal Mag, and elsewhere. He teaches in New York City.