Dana Gioia recites poem "Majority"

Dana Gioia's "Majority" is a poem about the death of his first child and the odd experience of watching similarly-aged kids grow up. Gioia has written multiple poems about a parent's grief after losing a child. Gioia recorded this poem in his studio in Sonoma County, California.
The poem is reprinted in Dana's most recent book of poems, which you can buy here - goo.gl/hwtQwq
"Majority" by Dana Gioia
Now you'd be three,
I said to myself,
seeing a child born
the same summer as you.
Now you'd be six,
or seven, or ten.
I watched you grow
in foreign bodies.
Leaping into a pool, all laughter,
or frowning over a keyboard,
but mostly just standing,
taller each time.
How splendid your most
mundane action seemed
in these joyful proxies.
I often held back tears.
Now you are twenty-one.
Finally, it makes sense
that you have moved away
into your own afterlife.

[@michellefoote2852]

I just stumbled upon your channel this morning. I lost my daughter 13 years ago. I don't believe I am quite ready, as you have, to read aloud, or openly discuss without a show of emotion. You're depicting the emotions you choose to depict. You've used words, that I don't quite know that I could ever put together on paper. Even loving to write. There comes a time, where you reach acceptance. I'm thankful that you have, it is our peace. I feel like, allowing our children to rest, is best done, by allowing peace and acceptance to form. Thank you for sharing your experience. Thank you for sharing the taboo! Thank you for allowing your readers to see the unspoken. Thank you for showing, what many people can not begin to imagine! I'm taking an American Literature class, you were a course of study! That you're here and posting on a youtube channel and reached the limelight while living, is an amazing accomplishment alone. Best wishes to you, and your family! May Michaels presence continue to shine down on you all.

[@zendt66]

Very touching - thank you.

[@debbabe2254]

Thank you. 🙏🏾

[@timknight4816]

beautiful

[@bbilltthompson]

Dana, I look at your old, arthritic fingers, while I listen to not a true poet, but a true father.

[@danagioia6943]

Thank you for watching. I plan to post more videos of my poetry and essays on this CZcams channel. If there’s a particular piece you would like me to film, please write it below in the comments.