 Jee Leong Koh is the author of Steep Tea (Carcanet), named a Best Book of the Year by UK's Financial Times and a Finalist by Lambda Literary in the US. He has published four other books of poems, including his most recent collection Connor & Seal (Sibling Rivalry). Originally from Singapore, Koh lives in New York City, where he heads the literary non-profit Singapore Unbound. https://singaporeunbound.org/ Palinodes in the Voice of My Dead Father "A palinode or palinody is an ode in which the writer retracts a view or sentiment expressed in an earlier poem. The first recorded use of a palinode is in a poem by Stesichorus in the 7th century BC, in which he retracts his earlier statement that the Trojan War was all the fault of Helen." (Wikipedia) Palinode II Tell your mom I don’t love her less than your sister. I didn’t speak to my wife last because we had a whole life together. I thought it was fair since she has our vows your sister has her dad’s last words. I’m full, I nodded to the bowl of pork porridge she brought. If I had to do it again, I would have done it differently, but there’s no do again when one is dead and now your mom is always hungry. Palinode XV
Our last dinner at the burger joint with the bikers theme, eating not with disciples on the road, I did not have any, but with my family, reassembled from the winds, you and your worldly American, your sister, her husband, and her two hearts, your mother sagging and smiling, brought me unspeakable happiness until the waiter, leather-clad, dark glasses, who had been staying out of sight diplomatically, asking us just once how we had enjoyed his recommendations, saw we were done and brought us the bill.
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