A Clothesline Perspective

I keep washing those same old clothes,
washing and wishing
for a whole new wardrobe.

An endless cycle of habit
and drudgery,
the chore that would
define me.

Seeking cleanliness...
and the Sun
it mocks me.

"You pick up the pieces
of the clothes that were worn
forgetting
what clothes were in place
on the day you were born."

What???

Then why am I washing
and hanging those old garments
out to dry?

"I don't know why you need
to clean old clothes."

"Throw them out,
get new ones...
no washing, and waiting
for old ones...

Do you really need to delve
into Why???"

A wrinkled mouth knowing
a reluctant nod
a cleansing breath
a folded sigh.

Maybe, it's the perspective that
should be hung out to dry.

Car Night Dancing

And so we strolled downtown
to car night display
in a little town, close to home
and ate and talked in an Irish cafe.

The weather was warm, the food
was rich, the wine was cold
it was a date night wish.

The music of old was heard
in the distance, so we paid
with a card, walked as we listened.

Memories of past cars and the men
who loved them, in folding chairs
to wait and reminisce (and maybe brag)
was their joy and mission.

Easter egg colors, no Crayola labels,
the finish and polish, fine touches and fables.

But the music, the oldies had drawn my attention,
in front of a church, denomination not mentioned.

I sang and I swayed in my shy but proud way
and the joy of convey opened the way to
a miraculous sight... if I must say

The children, the wee ones were awake
and listening... Elvis, and Jackie, Lennon
and Cash... jumping and dancing with aplomb
not abash.

The party was started as the people strolled by
mostly unaffected, or smiling and shy,
and only one soul made contact with my dancing
and singing and now I know why.

He was old and proud and this was his era,
he walked with a cane and a frown on his face, he could
hear without seeing the children of grace. A silly old gal
who knew words and moves, gave him a smile
for a second and then
he moved along tearful
as another has been.

Let the children remind us
we did this for them.