Joe Quinton:

3 Poems

TOMATOES

the time of tomatoes
comes on so quickly
suddenly there are choices
not just varied flavors
but all shapes and colors
so many saying to you
enjoy this abundance
never thinking that
there comes a time these
prizes are not available

then in a small corner
of the farmers’ market
you find tomatoes
they don’t yell - eat me
they have a dubious look
but they are tomatoes
right from a backyard farm
you buy and pretend
it is still summer

LIFE

I am seventy-nine and here
beyond that there is no need to go.
Investigations of my body
concern only inquisitive MDs.
The investigations are no more painful
than life but more quickly over.
I continue - is that not enough?

You want information?
It would be lying prophecy.
You want the future?
It stands before you.
All is now.
More is not available.

ENIGMA

The questions arise
The whyness of love
The whereness of love
Is there a line to cross
Beyond which this
Magic starts

Biographical Note: Joe Quinton settled in Chester County after various stops around the United States. He began writing poetry from a desire to make sense of the varied lives he has led in his eight decades. His poetry is both autobiographical and forward looking. Joe is a regular contributor to Creek Road Gang. See also the Author Index for Poetry and Author Index for Prose L-Z to find more of his work.