John J
John J - meaning Summary
Unwanted Childhood, Resilient Charm
The poem sketches a brief, intimate portrait of John J., a boy described as unwanted by his mother yet adorably defiant. It traces his early vulnerability—appearance, playful charm, and community reaction—then shifts to his adult life seeking affection and identity in nightlife and performance. The voice emphasizes survival through charisma and movement, suggesting resilience and a life shaped by lack, longing, and the consolations of attention and belonging.
Read Complete AnalysesHis soul curdled standing milk childhood's right gone wrong. Plum-blue skin brown dusted eyes black shining. (His momma didn't want him.) The round head slick silk Turn-around, fall-down curls. Old ladies smelling of flour and talcum powder, Cashmere Bouquet, said “This child is pretty enough to be a girl.” (But his momma didn't want him.) John J. grinned a “How can you resist me?” and danced to conjure lightning from a morning's summer sky. Gave the teacher an apple kiss. (But his momma didn't want him.) His nerves stretched two thousand miles found a flinging singing lady, breasting a bar calling straights on the dice, gin over ice, and the 30's version of everybody in the pool. (She didn't want him.)
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