This Much For Sure

 I don’t know

what lies

in the world beyond

after                 behind

            the present

I just hope

it’s a lot

like this one –

 pale beer         eye-catching strangers           

holy candles

and people trying to keep their lives forgivable –

        bookstore clerks trying to help

            kids in church trying to be quiet

                        the wine bar owner trying to bring

his idea of Paris                                               to the streets of Shorewood

         the tables and chairs spread       along the sidewalk

            a young couple tries the scallops bienville

                                    with fresh basil            a flight of white wine

   Many Masters say the end of trying is the beginning of the Way

striving is suffering  

            I hear her trying her keys in the door

one by one       she tries them.

Originally published in Boulevard, Volume 21.1 — Fall 2006