Eight days ago, I woke to 65
degrees inside, and turned the fire on.
The flames shot bright and lit the logs alive,
and I admired it through stretch and yawn.
It charmed and warmed, reminding me that I’ve
no better winter heat. Turned off at dawn,
I look ahead to all the days I’ll use it,
when chill in spine and fingers will excuse it.
When I encounter this, 2 years or less
from now, and choose to edit it or not,
I’ll recollect today without a guess;
I’ll have no cause to murmur “I forgot.”
That’s why I daily find some lines to jot.
October 12th of Twenty Twenty-five
was Sunday feeling well, without a lot
I had to do, and glad to be alive.
The streets were so cluttered I needed a break:
old shoppers at Ashby, young students at Miles.
Who knew riding BART could relieve a small ache,
allowing alone to regenerate smiles?
I boarded at Rockridge – 10 minutes I’d take
in respite from dodging humanity trials.
Now somewhat recovered all ready I am
to further my trip on an underground tram.
I didn’t want the visit, but the should
resounded till I booked the yearly scan
(I aim to spend these seasons feeling good
if possible, so I’ve a gentle plan
to catch the weaks before they’re fails, and span
the acts with exercise and healthy eats).
I set a walking course when I began,
and made a goal of ambulating streets.
Misinformation’s our pandemic now –
the World Wide Web, unfiltered, fills the field,
rewarding influence no matter how
achieved, on ground where bombast will not yield
to sense, and popular defies a shield.
I grow more skeptical but not of you,
I think; I hope the tale that you revealed
is close at least to what you feel is true.
The shoes I use are sensibly designed.
I haven’t fallen wearing them in years.
But there are some occasions I’m inclined
to shod myself in footwear that appears
less clunky – nothing chic – a look that veers
a little closer to suggesting grace,
electing to forsake the engineers.
Else why do I grant old shoes closet space?
I walk to buy the sour gummy bears
descendants like, and frozen things for me
before predicted heat can rise, while air’s
still cool and crowds have reached no quantity.
The weight’s in vest and pack; my arms are free,
and I examine gardens as I pace.
I notice soaring palms I didn’t see
before, before the blue of heaven’s face.
Considering the kids, I recognize
that two have what I call a playful brain.
They alter names, with games they improvise;
inside themselves they ever entertain.
I comprehend their schemes – we never strain
at talk which seems more fluent than with others.
One’s oldest, but the third-born I would train,
if possible, to disregard his brothers.
Although I read of rudeness far and wide,
and close at hand I witness thoughtlessness
or lack of focus, when I walk outside
I often note the street is not a mess,
and sometimes nods from others coincide
with mine, or I find evidence, I guess,
of random acts that harnessed energy
contributing to our community.
Ten months ago the window job commenced,
and then four doors plus two were water-sealed.
Last week I let some money be dispensed
on heater maintenance. Now I am steeled
at home. For storms I have a lasting shield
to withstand rain and chill in comfort’s hold.
To other depredations I may yield,
but here’s secure against all rain and cold.
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