Return to Top of Page
Menu
  • Close
  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Donate
  • Opportunities
  • Staff
  • Submissions
  • 20 Years
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Search Website
Literary Mama
  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Departments
  • Blog
  • Newsletter

Poetry | August 2013

Superman Steps Down

By Deborah Gang

The boy, dressed as usual like Superman, admires himself
in the mirror. His leggings, pajama bottoms, are just the right
shade of blue. Size 4 red underpants worn over his middle–also a
surprisingly good approximation. Perched on the shoulders of his
matching top is a red flannel cape, the gold S cut and glued,
the lumps puckered and still visible. On his feet, ankle-high
quilted red booties, outgrown by a friend or cousin.

Pleased, he descends the stairs on his bottom, then leaves the house
for what neither of us knows will be his last venture as Superman.
No one will tease him. Nothing bad happens on this last flight–
except that while outside, he grows up one increment, the very
increment that causes a boy to ask do I look silly? And there is no
answer, no turn of phrase, not a demurral in the world that will
stop a boy from retiring a red cape.

3 replies on “Superman Steps Down”

E Gsays:
September 1, 2013 at 11:31 am

I love the poet’s recognition and celebration of that one moment, “the increment,” after which something changes irrevocably.

Reply
Patricia Carlinsays:
September 5, 2013 at 2:08 am

This poem presents that strong image of a young boy’s unspoken journey and evolution through the use of vivid images. Yes- I can see the cape, and colors.
I also like the title.

Reply
Mary Doudsays:
September 11, 2013 at 11:37 am

Growing up is so much better when outside influences are secondary. The poet chapters this self-motivated transition beautifully!

Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This Page

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Copy Link

Deborah Gang

Learn More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Don't miss out on Literary Mama news and updates

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Instagram
  • RSS

© 2023 Literary Mama | Search Site | About Us | Staff | Submissions | Privacy Policy