grant street cafe

Trinidad remembrance

We went to see the beautiful place
And found spectacular mountains and seashore
With birds swooping and singing all about
Green growth everywhere even in the dry season.

We were tourists on vacation
Enjoying bed and breakfast comforts
Luxuries not given to the town folk
Getting their water from spigots at the curb.

We received smiles and waves and hellos
From everyone as we passed through town
A warm welcome for the foreign visitors
Not expected by me, relaxing, smiling back.

In the end we remember the conversations
The people engaging with us
Talking about whatever we asked about
Thinking later of more questions to ask.

Joanne from Arima
Environmental studies graduate
Soft spoken steward of wildlife
Explaining why her pants were tucked in her socks.

The shirtless man from the rum shop
Wearing a fish bone necklace
Escorting us on our good night walk
Explaining the waterline taps are not stealing water.

Rennie Bobb’s artistic creations self taught
Happy in his Blanchisseuse studio workshop
Sculpting the wood into what he feels
Explaining he doesn’t make trinkets.

transitioning

Graduation spring is upon us.
I’m happy and sad to see you grown up.

Seeing you dress for work so purposeful
I’m so proud and pleased you are adult and happening.
Greeting you much later tired from restaurant work
I enjoy you counting up the money in your pocket.

Listening to the chatter of high school seniors
Congregating in our kitchen lunchtime
To me this is like hearing the birds in spring
Before you all fly away off to college in the fall.

There are major changes coming soon.
I’m going to miss you so much.

Tomorrow you are eighteen.
We’ve been through an eventful year, you and I.
Mostly all good memories with some bumps
Staying connected, being there for each other.

I’m going to enjoy you soaring and singing
Out in the wide world that awaits you.
I’ll always have you in my heart
And you’ll feel me with you wherever you go.

I love you my sweet child.
You are the best daughter to me.


after dinner speech

Tuesday

Living with a man
Should not be so different
From living with a woman.

I’ve been talking with you about this
Asking what you expect.
Tuesday I learned I need to listen and ask.

Women are often much better
Making sure decisions are mutual.
Process is important.

Tuesday you showed me the beginning
Of the love poem you are writing
So heartfelt, so wonderful what you put in words.

A list of personal qualities you find in me
As I find them in you that we hold in common
Making the word love specific.

Today we reach an understanding.
There’s an essential consideration of the other person
That’s the foundation for living together.