There Are Certain Times
After Tony Hoagland’s “Jet”
when days evaporate
in this summer heat
yet hours seem to crawl
our world shrinks
if we are not mindful
to reach out and plan adventures.
There’s a clock ticking somewhere
beyond fields of sunflowers
so softly it’s muted
by chirping birds
bathing in our backyard
pecking for seeds
between the pavers.
In the morning silence
thoughts bubble up.
Is it fear or realization?
Is it warning or resignation?
The catch of my breath
The ache in my shoulders.
Someday we will give anything
for what we have now.
*
Lois Perch Villemaire is a poet and collage artist from Annapolis, MD. She is the author of My Eight Greats and a chapbook, Eyes at the Edge of the Woods. Much of her poetry is inspired by her participation in Ekphrastic Writers, a group dedicated to writing and community. Lois’ work has appeared in many journals and anthologies. She is a Pushcart nominee and a contributing writer to AARP-The Ethel. Her interests include reading, art journaling, practicing yoga, and propagating African violets.
True!