Could they have possibly known
That precisely detailed walls
Enveloping shutters of crisp, cracked paint
Would have thrice-turn-in-passing appeal?
A Question Regarding Prescience
Author: dcstecker
Shaken Faith
Two worlds in one place
Hold my gaze as I pass,
One world inside the glass,
And one world out.
I assume I am of the latter,
But saying that, questions arise.
Word Problem
The water in the canal below me runs clear,
Tasteful building colors reflect there well,
Small fish dart below the surface, and ducks glide above.
Were I to cross this bridge every day,
How long would it take, do you think,
Before I neglect to turn my head?
The Long Game
Per a deal with my parents,
I left the church at thirteen
After my first (and last) communion.
And yet, still, six decades later,
I enter each cathedral passed
To light two votive candles.
Kinderdijk Sunday
Surrounded by tools of his trade,
The fisherman readies his tackle
To angle for some respite.
Renewal
After such a long winter,
You’re welcome here, spring.
But before giving way to summer,
Please bring your spring to my step
And refill my eyes with your wonder.
Kinderdijk Shift
Storm is passing –
Quieted clouds
Windmill’s reflected –
Quieted waters
Rotor blades are stilled –
Quieted winds
I am here watching –
Quieted mind
Nonstick Notions
Two small shrimpers, aging yet able,
Secured for repairs toward the end of the dock,
Spark brief fancies of high sea daring do
In passerby who’ll never try to depart.
Morning Respite on the San Sebastian River
Returned from their night run
With outriggers high,
The catch unloaded,
And their crews scattered wide,
Shrimp boats rest easy,
Mirrored in the still waters.
Aficionada at Georgie’s Diner in the Time of Plague
She arrives deliberately early,
Predawn darkness, doors now unlocking.
Social-distancing conscious
And middle-counter blocking,
She studies the specials,
Her eyes slow-list descending;
Hidden under her breath, tasteful recitations
Savoring intimations
Of the more fulfilling respites.
