Sweet Spot

There is a sweet spot

when the freight train

has just passed, and

conversation

has yet to resume -

Looking across

backyards,

belligerent dogs, and

chain link fences

into a rare moment

of utter silence.

Early Lesson in Real Estate

I used to know a place

along our property line

where grape vines curled

overhead in a tube

like a wave break.

The space had size enough

for a few kids secluded,

carpeted with pine needles.

It was a comfortable hideout 

when necessary.

This has become my only

measure of good real estate,

small, soft, fresh smelling,

and few unwanted guests.

I learned it at 8 years old.

Water Water Everywhere and All the Cats Did Sleep.

The rain persisted,

turned downpour.

Our streetlight

went dark.

Leaves in porchlight

cast shadows

like giant spiders.

Three cats

slept easy

as water shook

the downspout.