Poem for the Month

No haikus today. Instead, I am sharing the poem I read today at the Harold Washington Public Library. Happy Poetry Month.


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Chicago Pub

Early spring, after a harsh winter,

Chicagoans are finally out.

Cold breezes off the frozen lake

can’t keep us indoors any longer.

In the pub, chicken wings’ bones

and empty beer glasses testify that

one group has started early, 

conversation so quiet I cannot listen in.

A young couple enters, sits at the next table,

his scent so strong it reminds me

of my son, whose pillow comforted me

long after he left for college.

A young man pushes a babe in a stroller,

looks uncomfortable in his new role,

unaware of future choices that

will define his character.

A family departs. The boy wears a hat

with bear eyes, ears and nose,

The girl wears a tutu over her pants and boots.

Their mother returns my smile.