I make it a point now
to wave to old men I pass
old men standing in shade
of a yard, maybe
a daughter’s place
where now he’s just a tenant
trying to understand role reversal.
I raise my forefinger
As I steer country roads or pass
Through tired neighborhoods.
Most return a wave or nod Howdy.
Driving gives you some perspective,
shows you how you might end up.
We allow something
now, especially those of us sitting
on porch swings, those
who never got around to going
somewhere, those
who still feel like something
somehow is missing.
Words for the Year 