One Thing She Enjoyed

try to think about a good time

not think about the first seven months

she enjoyed the music in the park

she just wanted to be with me

see all the little children dance

sit and eat her big oatmeal cookie

walked around to see someone she knew

maybe go buy the band's CD

it didn't take much to make her smile

her legs and feet bounced in time

with the beat and fast melody

while looking at all the people

when it was time to go home

gather up our chairs and tote bags

walked to the car and I'd drive her home

didn't want me to leave her alone

But I had to go...to my own place

I had to go...to get ready for bed

I had to work the next day

If I See This House for Real

The mystery of entering an unlocked front door
of a deserted, New England stone home
left me uneasy, intruding on spirits.

Closed doors—Should I open them?
What if one door led to a deep tunnel
full of ghosts or crazy people?
No, I would not open them.

I opened a door to one side of the house;
aged ivy plants covered a high wall.
The walkway needed maintaining.
For a moment, I thought it was safe.

In the back yard, stone sculptures and potted plants
cracked and stained by crusty bird droppings
surrounded by weeds, trees, and crevices.
I felt spirits lurking at me from there.

(from an old reoccurring dream)