After it rained the other night
getting in the car
taking the boys to school
stepping from curb to street
over the gutter with water still flowing
Lang noticed several worms
squiggling like fish squirming
as if asking to be bait
which he wanted to collect them for
save them in a jar
Where would you keep them
in the fridge
until Saturday and then
to the jetty.
But we had to go
get bagel sandwiches before the bell rang
and Jax scoffed at the fridge idea
said Come ON Lang let's GO
so the boys scuffed into their seats
crossed their chests
safety belts like a talisman, a blessing
to keep them safe
until they get to school
where everyone is safe
Meanwhile those worms
probably didn't make it back up to the lawn
since the waiting crows
winged down in my rear view mirror
from perches closer to heaven
black in the treetops
patient as night
whispering as they descended
with open beaks
it's never safe
No, it never is.
ReplyDeleteThe events in CT have been heavy on most American's hearts. The simple worms, the abundance of crows like vultures and the innocence of our children all waiting. What could a parent say when they let them off at the drop off line or put a note in their lunch bag? "I love you more dearly that all things, or duck and cover?" Your story cuts to the bone, in a good way making us all see what's inside
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