Thursday, July 21, 2022

wrinkled old car

I know an old man who drives an old car

Wrinkled with dents and scrapes all around 

A collection of minor mishaps over the years

A survivor that keeps on running 


Going to Long Island for treatments

Hoping to keep his cancer at bay

Going to see his preteen grandkids

Making science fun for them to learn 


He does what it takes to keep the car going 

Always just a little further down the road 

Adding a quart of oil every gas pump fill up

Aiming to make it to 200,000 miles


Once he broke down a long way from home

When an aging radiator hose gave out

Then he rigged up a part to replace it

Using duct tape as I recall he said 


That's the way he is my friend

Doing what he can to keep himself going

Trying to be there for his grandkids

To attend their high school graduation


I think about gifting him with a newer car

Wishing it wouldn't be scraped by his garage door 

But that's no substitute for what I really want 

To see him to continue on living that long

 

Celery Farm July 21, 2022

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Celery Farm July 20, 2022

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

father daughter car ride

So much has changed 

From when a young girl rode beside me

Enjoying our playful conversation

Happy to be going places 


But I am still her person today

Providing a shoulder and a hug

As the young woman rides beside me

Going home after outpatient surgery


You are too young to have these troubles

Tests and procedures taking over your life 

Tumors and hormones gone rogue

No one deserves what you're going through


Did inherited problem genes do this 

Impossible to know or make better now

One of life’s many uncertainties 

But this much I know 


Your life has been a gift to me

Full of love between father and daughter

All the more now that you need me again 

To wrap you close in my arms


Your inner strength and sincerity of purpose 

Your empathy and consideration for others

With these and many more admirable qualities 

You are a gift to everyone around you