Open Write Day 2 of 3 July 2025

Today for the second day of the July Open Write, Jennifer Jowett of Michigan and Deborah Wiles of Georgia are our hosts. They inspire us to write I Once Knew poems, using a process they describe at this link. Hop over and read some of the poems that will be eclectic and unexpected. This is one such random poem process that is, what I believe, makes poetry shine and sparkle.

To Be Continued

I once knew Miss Sue

who taught me

how to swim in

her backyard pool

now filled in

with earth and flowers

I once stayed at

The Blue Swallow Motel

with the Swiss dot bedspread

and Moon Pies on the pillows

and t-shirts advertising

refrigerated air conditioning

as I drove Route 66

I swam in the Illinois

cornfield sunset

I swooned over the

coconut cream pie

at the Midpoint Cafe

in Adrian, Texas

I sweltered in the

Palo Duro Canyon

Texas heat

where even the road runners

know to sit in the shade

of the picnic tables

I sweethearted a

photo finish kiss

with my husband at

Cadillac Ranch

I swapped my beaded

quartz bracelet for one

made of turquoise and

mother of pearl

in Albuquerque

at the store with

the red war paint door

because it reminded me of

my mother

I swore to return to

finish the route

to be continued…..

Coconut Cream Pie at The Midpoint Cafe

I’ve been reflecting on the Route 66 trip we took with my husband’s brother and sister-in-law in June 2023 and all the amazing memories. So much of it was food-related, and the relaxed-paced time we spent with each other around tables telling stories and sharing life is what I enjoy so much about travel without a strict itinerary. John Steinbeck got it right in Travels With Charley – “we don’t take a trip; a trip takes us.” At my favorite little cafe in Adrian, Texas, I had a piece of pie that I think I’d pay a hundred dollars for if I were offered one right now. The Midpoint Cafe is one of those places with a distinct authentic cultural flair and retro furniture that awakens a back-in-the-day vibe. Our server, whose aunt makes all the pies from scratch, told us stories of growing up right there on that land with its windmills and vastness. I wrote a reverse nonet poem today in reflecting – nine lines, with syllables of the line number on each line counting down to one.

I love hearing others’ stories of slow-paced travel, memorable moments, and food. Please share a favorite in the comments if you’re reading today.

Coconut Pie Reverse Nonet

for the record: I don’t even like

coconut, but the best piece of

pie in the world is at the

Midpoint Cafe out in

Adrian, Texas

but my fork won’t

reach that far

so I

dream…….