I’ve voted in a neighbor’s garage, in churches,
a cow barn, laundry, fire station and clubhouse,

for statesmen and scoundrels, for Democrats,
and on rare occasions, a Republican.

I’ve resorted to candidate write-ins,
said YES to two-terms for governors,

taxes for libraries and schools,
and NO to the lottery, marriage as between

one man, one woman, and the proposal
to expand use of eminent domain.

Always, no matter the issue or office,
while standing in line at the polls,

I’ve felt pride, and gratitude, to be participating
with others in our democratic process.

I voted this morning, walked to the mailbox,
cast my ballot and missed that high.