Quinault August 15, 2019

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Salmon River Trail August 13, 2019

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Wildcat Ridge August 11, 2019

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rolling backwards downhill

My neighbor across the street drives an old car

That needs a new transmission but the children come first

So he worked out how to drive without reverse gear

While living at the end of our dead end street.

Expressing my sympathy for the difficulty he’s in

He dismissed it as nothing being so used to it

His car going on two years like this with no end in sight

Parent to two kids in college with three more behind.

You should see how he does it smooth as a pro

Letting his car roll backwards down the street slope

As he returns in the evening coming home after work

Getting parked pointed uphill set to head out again.

He drives a big rig at work delivering building supplies

Sometimes backing it down our narrow street block

Stopping off at home for lunch when his work is nearby

So it’s easy for him to be steering his car backwards.

He's such a great father playing with his kids

And sweet with their mother who wanted a large family

She who works as a teacher in the next town

These two people grew up here and stayed around. 

Like so many who are pressed to make ends meet

Needing some help from both of their parents most days

Watching the children and dropping off groceries

For me this is personal though I don't know them so well.

I know what it’s like to have little money to spend

And now that I have plenty I want to give it to those who don’t

Concerned for these good people who make an honest living

No one deserves such a struggle to get by.