
So when will you be honest?
“All the time.”
And when will you be nice?
He paused in thought and read my face.
His “Most the time,” was prime.
And as for helpful? When? He’d been thrice taught.
“Sometimes,” was the response that laughter brought.

Be like a dick. I say this to attract
attention. I don’t mean impolitic
in attitude or speech or any act.
Be like a dick.
Be velvet over steel. No stab or prick,
but with your center coursing firm, in fact,
so able to stand gently and not lick
the wounds from words or let rude looks detract.
I mean to give your grouchiness a kick,
and boost your spine until you’re mettle-backed.
Be like a dick.

I longed for one possession I could prize
above all others, like a heroine
of tales or lore, of humble origin:
a single doll of rags that in my eyes
and arms was cherished without compromise.
I owned too much for rarity to win.
I longed for one.
Sometimes I’d play a role. I’d fantasize
about a single plaything, hold within
my mind a treasure to protect, begin
a story donning penniless disguise.
I longed for one.

I’m power-washing trapped within today.
Outside my doors are soap-and-water showers.
There’s noise surrounding me, and every way
I look is wet. At least a couple hours
I’ll be here; an expert aiming spray
prepares my place for winter. As he scours
roofs and wood, I trade my norm for strange,
considering I’m practicing at change.

The orchard is in Placerville I see
(I looked it up online the other night),
where valley temperature is perfectly
appropriate for growing stone fruit right.
I paid the price for two (that wasn’t light),
and toted them to kids I love, to teach
by sharing luscious slices, golden bright,
this summer’s best example of a peach.

I set up home for comfort, and I love
to linger here, in theory and in fact.
This one-room cottage fits me like a glove,
and nowhere tops its power to attract
my steps. But coming days and weeks impact
my inclination – I will be off-base.
Before my peace is peppered and ransacked,
I aim to set my will to trip with grace.

I fretted for too long on money stuff,
regarding one too old to govern well.
And to his health I sunk more than enough
of time last night to sink in slumber’s spell.
I gave too many minutes to the tough
remembrance of a name. I couldn’t quell
my wakefulness. At last I surveyed me,
and didn’t find discomfort, thankfully.