Poem

Photo by RP Thomas

Uncertain Forms

A vague and incomplete lettering

on a wooden fruit box demonstrates that

work both nourishes and tames the soul.

A journey has come to pass and

the flatbed’s driver is at rest, perhaps

drinking coffee in a roadside café,

Where he talks to friends about gasoline

prices and the death of another man

from a nearby town, whose

Life had taken a downturn when he

lost his second son in an accident that

winter, and a pall settles along the

Counter next to the sugar dispensers

and napkin holders—all of this before

the waitress cries out.

A kid has stolen a white five-gallon

fuel container from the flatbed parked

in the lot and is running  away now,

Away from the law. Running in the direction

of Talent, and someone says the kid is a football

star and headed for big trouble.


TS