In Mind’s Eye
When we walk
not speaking
enjoying the fresh air
I pack my red suitcase
rolled-up undies-shirts-socks-sweaters
zipped inside ebags of various sizes
latch the suitcase
admire the stitching
see in mind’s eye
trees that are not
our suburban trees,
pinecones or shells
instead of browning grass
let go of the too-familiar
bask in what comes next.
Starry, Starry Night
I stand outside my house
close my eyes
open them again
look up at dark sky
listen to the stars.
Their quiet hymn
one only I can hear
is like a landscape painting
of a night-time scene
all blurry blacks and grays.
I hear only dimly
through the screen door
my life-mate, my love,
reading to our children
making silly voices.
Louise Kantro, retired teacher and cat-lover, volunteers as a CASA (court advocate for foster children). After receiving her MFA from Goddard College in 2003, she has published poetry and prose in such journals as Quercus Review, Cloudbank, The Chariton Review, the new renaissance, South Loop Review, Monterey Poetry Review, and Third Wednesday. Her latest project is scanning family photos that span a century.
When we walk
not speaking
enjoying the fresh air
I pack my red suitcase
rolled-up undies-shirts-socks-sweaters
zipped inside ebags of various sizes
latch the suitcase
admire the stitching
see in mind’s eye
trees that are not
our suburban trees,
pinecones or shells
instead of browning grass
let go of the too-familiar
bask in what comes next.
Starry, Starry Night
I stand outside my house
close my eyes
open them again
look up at dark sky
listen to the stars.
Their quiet hymn
one only I can hear
is like a landscape painting
of a night-time scene
all blurry blacks and grays.
I hear only dimly
through the screen door
my life-mate, my love,
reading to our children
making silly voices.
Louise Kantro, retired teacher and cat-lover, volunteers as a CASA (court advocate for foster children). After receiving her MFA from Goddard College in 2003, she has published poetry and prose in such journals as Quercus Review, Cloudbank, The Chariton Review, the new renaissance, South Loop Review, Monterey Poetry Review, and Third Wednesday. Her latest project is scanning family photos that span a century.