A backward glance…

Leaving Westie Way.

Why must it be

the most beautiful

the day we leave

for the last time,

autumn sunlight dappled just so,

never saw it ladled quite as deliciously.

The family of loons not seen all summer

now suddenly patrols the dock,

aloofly,

not wanting to seem

the slightest bit interested

in the ruckus.

The chipmunks will wonder, peevishly

where their nightly trove of Spanish peanuts has gone.

Grover the groundhog will sigh wearily at the prospect

of having to charm new owners yet again.

The male and female cardinal will look for us in vain on the front deck

after countless nightly visits,

and decree their human companions

to be fickle at best.

Taking our leave,

the dirt road behind us will unspool,

dustily, as always

and we may miss the new fawn

who pops her head out from the brush,

curious,

wondering at someone leaving such a place

when all around her is golden.

Any Heavens

Washed Up..

When did everyone start washing with Purell

Every time you turn around?

As if we could prevent anything.

Stop germs

if they have any interest in us

whatsoever.

When did greeting cards start costing 12 dollars,

for real.

No one else notices:

The guy in front of me buys four.

Unfazed.

And while I’m at it

When

Did it become a crime to dress.

You’re so dressed up,

spat out

like the worst possible indictment,

And there is me.

The unforgivable,

in heels, and ok,

maybe

a sequined brooch.