I’m selfishly worried today –
I know I should feel empathy
for elder distress and dismay
and stresses on young family
but I want to go my own way
ignoring each unspoken plea –
just wrapping my arms around me.
(I had to blurt that out to feel all right.
I really didn’t sleep enough last night.)
I walked one way. It took me near an hour.
And then I rode two buses to return.
The walking gave reminder of my power,
and from the bus rides I found things to learn.
My body still has strength. My heart can laugh.
I needn’t yet suggest my epitaph.
And though non-driving uses up much time
it’s pleasant, and gave topics for this rhyme.
I saw new stores and boulevards repaved;
a clutch of peers, some clad in clothes so loud
they didn’t work four dozen years ago.
Kids weren’t looking nice as they behaved,
but gave their culture reason to be proud.
I reached my door well-spent, my mind aglow.
I bought a new umbrella yesterday.
I left the old one in a restaurant.
(The rain had stopped – I took it anyway –
I walk, and tote whatever I may want.)
Selecting portable, and cabernet
in hue, although my style’s nonchalant,
I wondered why so many come in black.
In rain, I go for seen, from front and back.
(Ottava Rima)
We all agree the yard must be redone.
At first held hostage by a crazy crone,
at last the county moved her. Everyone
remaining knew the hedge would have to go.
I thought we pulled the trigger on that gun.
But I got home the other day to find
somebody unrelated made a run,
removing sprinklers and each paving stone.
The work is backward and the sense makes none.
(Magic 9)
I’ve walked this neighborhood so many years,
I’ve memorized the look of every place.
I gaze instead sometimes at what appears
above each independent retail space.
I note what must be offices or flats.
Apartments and compartments tantalize
imagination – urban habitats
and crooked shades revealing stored supplies.
It’s like rewatching favorite films so much
I start to pay attention to the sets
and extras, noting wallpapers and such,
instead of all the acting epithets.
There is no end to fascinating stuff
as long as I’m peripheral enough.
Five years ago I took on childcare,
commuting twice a week to spend the days
with grandson #4. I didn’t spare
my back the work, but it was mighty nice
to leave the desk and breathe in baby air.
In time, the virus came – a sister too.
The need for help from me soon won’t be there.
In two months I’m dismissed (with thanks and praise).
And then I’ll just be Grandma, with a flair.
(Magic 9)
Anticipating rivalry, we paid
attention to the older sibling’s need.
We lavished love on baby, but we made
a ton of time for four years old, indeed.
We answered every query and we played.
His sweetness helped our efforts to succeed.
We never dreamed, at five and one, we’d see
the younger acting out in jealousy.
(Ottava Rima)
A white rose that I know I didn’t plant
emerged outside my kitchen recently.
I don’t choose roses – me they don’t enchant,
though I regard this garden decently.
I’m not a fan of foliage like theirs,
and I’d prefer to live without the thorns,
but someone sowed and saw to budding cares
and I’ve allowed them space. So pink adorns
the window edge, and yellow decks the walk,
while ruby red unfolds in middle ground.
Now I don’t know from whence appeared the stalk
that blossoms white, bouquet-like, but I’m bound
to treat it like its sisters, watered, well,
and thank it for enhancing where I dwell.
In 1944, when it was made,
the owner was permitted to construct
a cottage in the yard, on level grade,
and in the northeast corner it was tucked
against two boundaries, beneath the shade
of trees and vines, rough-cornered and good-lucked.
It’s like a set for filming or a play,
for only half its sides are on display.
(Ottava Rima)
I opt to walk and dislike windy storm,
so I elect to dwell without a view.
I hunker in a garden, shaded, warm,
but miss eclipse and pyrotechnics, too.
And walkable means density. It’s true:
diversity my neighborhood enjoys.
So I can spy and eavesdrop on a slew,
but also have to put up with some noise.
(Huitain)
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