Crescendos

In my rocking chair I drink in
midwinter bone-warming sun
as Kansas winds howl through
time-honored pine and
assault seasoned shutters.

Clamor, clatter, laughter and shrieks
bouncing off neighborhood fences
echoing from contenders in school-yard games
as little ones dance and navigate
in search of the day’s possibilities.

I close my eyes and hear the ocean tide
come and go along Maine’s rocky shores
raging against barnacle-encrusted rocks.

Sea gulls contend in sky-yard games
screeching, shrieking, clamoring, laughing
eyes dart
wings beat against ocean winds
in search of the day’s offerings.

Crescendos traveling through eternity.

Rocking slowly back and forth I open my eyes
and return to the quietude of my back porch
knowing my Maine heart beats strong
in this Kansas town.

Previously published in the Aurorean, Winter ‘98-’99