The place I know:
Mountains, streets, houses, trees,
And all of it tangled with memories.
But the people have strayed—
Many out into the world—
But most, no doubt, simply misplaced
Or just grown old.

Strange how we can sometimes parallel:
Live our lives side by side
Not even knowing or recognizing
Those links that could or should
Be the foundation of our greatest reality.

And what is the meaning of home now—
Away forty years and with children and grandchildren
Who have no concept of that traditional Truth
That was and is the skeleton of my deepest humanity?

--A certainty shaken?
An enduring anthem of the heart?
Yes, and is it five or is it
Seven generations deep now in this gravel soil
And the irrigated, ancestral peaches?

09/09/2017

Author's Note: Brigham City, Utah September 2017, and to my knowledge I've only missed three.

Posted on 09/10/2017
Copyright © 2025 Leonard M Hawkes