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Vienna Bench
She must have known, the old woman. She must have felt the young American curious next to her sitting also, close. She must have known, must have sensed the question: What is your story? What have you seen that I can know? What have you lived that is for me abstraction? Perhaps there is nothing I need to know here. Perhaps your old life is as plain as my young one and you are as closed and as bare of truth and of struggle. Perhaps under your age is no wisdom and under your blouse, on your wrists, only numbers.
Peace
Lift your eyes, Look up! The blue sky above Seems polished, so clear It shines in the sun. Lift your eyes, Look up! The clouds now are massing Majestic in beauty, Portending a storm. Lift your eyes, Look up! Starlight and moon glow combine To give light to the shadows And peace to the soul.
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Sonnet
What is this pribbling, dizzy-eyed desire? Mammering lummox tries to catch your eye, Swears thrice, a bubbling pot on the fire, Mumbles something like love will never die. Give up your manÐthat's rightÐdate me instead! Be a sport! You've got your whole life to live. Try a fat, balding, aged man in bed; Stunning career path, he'll have much to give. But wait! There's more! Did I mention he smokes? And dribbles his soup and snores the night through? He quibbles and argues more than most blokes, And won't shut up, never listens to you? Would passion render his secrets to tell And fashion tender affections to quell?
Favorite Place
It was her favorite place to visit; The wind was blowing from the south most days. The trees had light green cellophane leaves, and the sun was up before she was every morning. She unpacked her white slacks and sandals. She wondered why she couldn't stay here all the time. The next place she visited was so hot she was glad to leave. The welcome relief of crisp weather beckoned her. The air itself felt exciting, like it was overloaded with electrons -- football weather. She couldn't stay long, The holidays were upon her, and she had a million things to do. It was grand. But then, of course, the inevitable letdown... And she had to be home by her birthday, anyway. It was a cold, dreary ride home, So she bought a bright red wool jacket for the trip. She arrived in just in time, The place was February.
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