SUMMER SOLSTICE

 

20160620-A40A0942

 

Seventy-five days old
the last time a full moon moved
through the shortest night:

1948—I wake at two to see
wild oats blond on sloping walls
as the dogs bark in the distance

on coyote business, like always.
Dry years in the San Joaquin,
Dad shipped thin steers in the rain

when I was born, bought some more
to feed on green into July
I can’t imagine possible, but

we stayed the droughts, like always,
in a canyon I’ve never left
for long—nowhere calling,

no other place to claim my tears
of sweat and blood, sentiments scattered
on dry ground like leaves of poetry.

 

3 responses to “SUMMER SOLSTICE

  1. Such a wonderful writer you are!
    Always Love reading what you’ve written.
    Funny how excellent writing makes me smile.
    . . . and moves me to compliment
    its author.

    Like

  2. Peter Notehelfer's avatar Peter Notehelfer

    When one has deep roots, no matter the drought, the green wood reappears . . . Beautifully written. Bravo!

    Like

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