David E. Howerton:
--you’re wondering if it's worth trying--
Gets to the light
digging through mind
hope for the best
but knowing most
will find another way.
Where those small memories
of things that never were
will bring some moments of peace.
Yet events always come
where accepted reality of the past
tell us it's time to pay
even though we're blameless.
From points that seemed abandoned
we've turned for
a chance to live quietly
for a while
before age sets in
and there's little left
but being ignored
by the next.
--You'd expect some better--
Late night speeding motorcycles
go through canyon
blind to nature getting by.
Deer nibble by guardrail
and raccoons scavenge meal
from discarded fast-food containers.
Dog curled up sleeping
ears twitch but she's dreaming
of all those wonderful things
dogs care about.
Even later those motorcycles
speed up canyon uncaring
about waking me up or
that they've scared a doe that
hasn't finished a meal in days.
--You owe them that much--
Encourage them
they're going to be
taking control
when you're old.
Neither oppress
nor spoil them
they'll take it out
on you otherwise.
Treat them fairly,
listen to their fears
and joy,
nor judge them
they may judge you.
--You know they're not real--
Lord, dark path tempts
calling through whispers
when laying in bed
with an ailing half moon
hanging in digger pines.
Lights out in bed
watching moon set
fan blowing cool air
from outside
inner voices
play games sounding
outside talking on the wind.
--you just want--
You watch them entering,
but you don't care
you just want a minute of quiet.
So as laughter seeps in
you find a strangeness
where's it coming from?
Though with rain and cold
one would suppose most would be
curled up in beds trying to stay warm.
Doesn't seem to work that way.
Guess a few others can't sleep either
and must've turned televisions on
that's what's heard?
Biographical Note:
David is a part time programmer and lives in the American River
