Tranquillity
The sky possesses
a deep Western blue
with cumulus and contrails
offering contrasting white.
High in the mountains
the heat from far below
has transformed
into cool comfort.
Whether hiking the trail,
drifting in the current–
pole in hand,
or sitting, peering out
on to the lake,
peace reigns.
Comments: No explanation needed. Two pictures to the right inspired the poem.
Far Too Often
It is an ordinary day.
The sun rises.
Coffee is brewed.
Kisses are exchanged
while both love and hate
walk the land.
In an old Charleston church
filled with praise,
a blind, uneducated demon
enters through sacred doors.
He is welcomed
with open arms.
In mere seconds
the songs are replaced
with weeping and silence.
In the days to follow
voices of horror cry out.
Platitudes are spoken.
Pleas for change and understanding
fall on desensitized, deaf ears.
Money always speaks.
Will anything really change?
Another ordinary day.
Comment: Yes, the confederate flag came down, but . . . You interpret from there.
Return to V & M
Remodeled,
done just right–
old ambiance melds into the new.
I am seated,
watching the regulars pass by.
Soon, Two-Beard
hobbles in–
many offer greetings.
Slim Red approaches
and reminds me,
“Don’t forget, my mother
would love to see you.”
Owner Shawn comes over
and shakes my hand.
We chat awhile
about the new appearance.
Carol delivers my oatmeal and toast
cooked to perfection,
neither too dry nor too watery,
perfect with brown sugar and raisins.
Fly Fishing asks,
“How are they biting
in the Land of Oz?”
Doesn’t familiarity add a bit
of joy to life?
Comment: Upon my recent return to Ohio to visit mom and family, I had to stop by my old haunt, V & M Restaurant, where many a poem started. A "perfect" remodeling had occurred. I enjoyed seeing all the familiar faces. (Please see my recommendation below.)