After talking with B today about all the cousins at the zoo I was wanting to write a little poem. I realize that to all parties involved it may seem a bit idealistic, and i know you all work very hard, but I was feeling somewhat sentimental about the thought of all the cousins growing up and how I remember when I was little and we went on trips with cousins. It is so weird how all the cliches are true. "It feels like yesterday," "It goes by so fast", etc. etc. Anyways, here is a not too involved nostalgic, imagined prediction of what they might remember later on.

"The Zoo"

Little feet pitter through puddles
padder through fountains
sun blazes touch sweet faces,
Daddy's kisses dissolve on chunky cheeks
and little ones make their watery stamp
on Mom's dry clothes.
Soaked through, teeth chattering
they weave through a sea of faces
oblivious to them all,
while pruned hands fist soggy graham crackers.

I remember distantly
the freedom of water-logged britches,
worry free snacking;
sweet security of childhood.

Here is another something I worked up a couple weeks ago.

"Writing"

I

I hold shoulder up to my neck
balance all the things
I can't feel

I skim the surface
Move at rapid pace
because if I were to

Stop

What would be there to greet
those chambers low
untouched places
full of doubt.

It only takes a crack
to weaken the dam and then

It bursts.

II

When my mind gives way to the words
my hand to the pen
I am never so alone as then.

When I burrow in my brain
a deprived muse
I set a fire
as to a fuse

Blazing, burning
thickening smoke
questions I wish I never spoke.

III

Then fiery flames
and rushing tides of hidden worlds
flood and singe
private barracks
where I had put
frightening pieces
when they seemed pointless.

Choking smoke
and coughing water
they start to breathe again
the words I killed
when I was afraid of the ballast in my life.