August 2000

SMOKE -FREE
There's a tattered "I Love Jesus" card
in the dewy grass next to broken
beer bottles. Instinctively reached-for
cigarettes missing from his pocket, so he
stands, looking at the sweating shards,
wishing for something to do with his hands.

MONDAY AFTER VACATION
Constrained by the work costume. Shiny
stiff shoes already hurt his feet this morning.
Missing bucolic barefoot moments, he smiles,
skin tight on his sun burnished face.

X.
Tentative connection awkwardly met,
how long has this heart been closed to chance?
Stronger now, soft cheeks not wet,
hating to sit, but afraid to dance.
Like a seed in cold earth that may still sprout,
but from ill-timed planting it's death can catch.
Hold! Remain kind and gentle for the lessons throughout,
for new, and without pretense is this match.
Perhaps to find hope she has come to this place,
the maiden, to learn there are yet men who are kind.
To hold dear in his heart, her image, her face,
the man, to not rush things, his patience refined.
Time will tell what memories unfold,
lets hope they are fond ones, when they are both old.

THE POND WAITS
From the edge of dark woods
she emerges - sleek, tawny,
skittish, and thirsty.
The pond waits, still and reflective,
offering life to those who will but risk a drink.
She sniffs, keeping a watchful eye, head down with
tentative step, ready to vanish in an instant.
And the pond waits.