Posts for June 22, 2023 (page 7)

The whole world searches fervently
for rich White people trapped in a submarine
exploring the corpse of the Titanic,
another rich White people disaster.  

Rich or poor, each of us shares their fear.  

Temperature at the bottom of the sea
is cold as the shoulder turned to those
who breathe their own thoughts and prayers
and try not to implode.  

Here’s an exercise in imagination.  

Alter the attributes of those in peril
by race, wealth, nationality, gender,
politics, religion, whatever comes to mind,
and compare subtle differences in your gut.  

That will tell you a little about yourself.  

Then do it again, and in each case,
visualize the assets and attention
rushing to aid, or kneeling to mourn,
and where and how they emerge.  

That will tell you a little about the world.  

We were the first on the block to have the technology, so we invited all –
Neighbors
Mom popped corn, dad tuned 25“ zenith console made from  kit –
Gathered
To smell crimson glowing capacitors slowly burn off dust –
Around
Children sat on olive shag rug encircling rays of shining technicolor – 
To view
The playbill: Daktari, Wild Kingdom, and the Wonderful World of Disney
TV

Best days
Worst days
Essence of time distilled to
Eke out the marrow of minutes.
Four letters fill our cups
No matter,
Ours is eternal

when asked how he felt
on turning 27
my son confided
to his septuagenarian mother:
not much time left

It’s just okay growing older.

There’s gratitude for being
above ground, as they say, 
still sucking air,
and sorrow for the friends
and family who aren’t.

But, do I wish I could go back 
and be the one who catches 
the cheerleader as she free falls 
from the top of the pyramid?

Some days. 

Some days the regrets stand out
like steeples against the skyline. 
And the pavers shift beneath
the weight of nostalgic desire.

But, there’s something to be said
for being a seasoned traveller,
of having one’s bags packed
and waiting beside the door:

whatever the next destination is,
it’s someplace I’ve never been before.

on the straight be fast
and slow before the corner
or prepare to crash

know about this 
                below-
so you don’t forget

                as if
any time of day
            can be
                simple.

every time can be
            each to all.

gray clouds cover sky
small niche catches sunrise orange
pocket of promise

Wave-washed aftermath
of jellyfish massacre.
Gelatinous ghosts
line the beach. Blue heron, stone-
still, stands in white froth, watchful.