TUESDAY STOPS

 

TUESDAY STOPS

 

"All the noise was disturbing

and I couldn't find Irving."

            Tom Waits

 

Pick up 20 pounds of pears

from bargain bin at the orchard

for drying, and computer from shop

before returning to the house

for rain hat. People are getting off.

God's humility wrapped in plastic.

Magazines for friend. She's here.

Note to J. and an invitation to read

poems from the island.

These guys in yellow vests

take up some seats on this plane.

Vest-dressed, almost a uniform.

Look at 'em waiving contracts,

Asylum seekers deported each Tuesday.

arms wrapped around hello and goodbye

ready for something like return.

White pickup with a staircase.

Steps loaded over the cab

for getting on and off the plane.

Wight-of-way nursery rhymes.

Take a few pictures with the phone.

Vests, vested, vestments.

Tom Waits sings in the new year.

How many years has it been?

Recognition of names by friend's

breath-fresh grace. Home

by early afternoon, slicing pears

for drying with knife so sharp

seeds slice, remain in place.

 

Jim Bodeen

13 October 2020