The Engaged

They coo at each other like morning doves,
crack quips like battling starlings,
and dance their teasing courtship
with a duet that combines that sweet and sour.
It’s the confidence in “I know you love me,”
the comical sigh of acceptance and humor in return.
Even when peace deals become on-and-off situationships,
the relationships around me begin to nestle
into a stable, grounded nest.
They still plan their parties,
dream of their first dance,
taste the caterer’s samples together.
Even if they feel anxious and have disagreements,
there is still that growing excitement,
launching them into hope
for a future better than it is now.

The Teacher

A garden of books bloom around her,
weeded and pruned regularly with care.
Bountiful with messages and lessons
she perches on a stool, eager to keep
the sweet promise of storytelling
no matter what day it is.
There is always time for a story,
as there is always time for a lesson.
She emotes vibrantly, words clear,
voice bright and sing-songy.
It is no wonder that while the students listen,
I also fall under the spell to pick up
both the story of persistence
and the lesson of hope.

The Farmer

He is tall and silent, willing to blend in
with the stone walls and ash corpses,
weaving to and fro through wetlands
and flooding plains.
Yet I still notice his presence,
something to be admired
the way caution and exuberance overlap.
There’s wisdom to be found in his every step,
when he walks a property with a keen eye
and scrambling thoughts as we cross over
muddy streams and through briars.
When he speaks of the beans and corn
there is a sweet sound of excitement;
to see the fruits that come after the bloom.