Patchwork Prose and Verse
Giraffic Park shirt:
when you go see the movie
after safari
you tell your Nana
you need the perfect t-shirt,
occasion-marking…
Nana knows you’ll think
of our time spent together
every time it’s worn
so she buys the shirt
with a joy-smile in her heart
full of love for you!
Safari ride through
wild animals of all sorts:
how must they see us??
Callaway Gardens
Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the
Butterfly House – – JOY!
Fjord-fantastic!
Fun, frigid fabulousness
Fresh-frozen fanfare
What sense does it make
to get a negative test
three days before sail?
We could still be sick.
In between: crowded places
as we journey there.
This world is one big
logical fallacy where
nothing makes much sense.
Vaccinations, sure.
Negative tests: overkill.
Please. Stop the madness!
before the divorce
before he walked away
from all of us
we were on vacation
in Clearwater Beach
the two of them –
my son and his dad –
next in line to JetSki
listening to the safety talk
No horseplay.
Keep your lifejacket fastened.
Keep your distance from other watercraft.
we were watching the father and son
before us, hearing the talk just moments
before as they’d stood where we stood
when it happened
collision!
we thought they’d get back up and
run the waves some more
but they didn’t.
the son swam to his dad
he’d just t-boned
probably wondering why
their laughter and horseplay
had stopped
a passing tour boat pulled the body
aboard, not knowing there was
no longer hope
we stood and watched
I still wonder about all we
carry~ all that kid carries ~
the paralyzing impact of loss
in all its forms
fish fry tailgating
coleslaw, hush puppies, sweet corn
camping out with friends
we took the cheap seats
in the bed of the pickup
saved the ticket price
Callaway Gardens
fireworks, just as jaw-dropping
from outside the fence
Independence Day
Eagles swoop down to catch fish
Symbols of freedom
Ready to return!
It’s not this much fun at home.
The food’s not as good.
Georgia’s way too hot.
We loved the chilly weather.
We live while we can.
Not one of us can
add another hour to life
– we savor moments!
I have my reasons
I never wear khaki pants
I cling to these truths
Common Threads 