A.G.E's Joint

  Emily is not used to the cold Sweater never off Dreaming of the cute instructor In the lounge. Pastor piqued interest Of skiing down the peak Mom thinks he's a creep As she peeks into the room She's along for the ride Everyone else is the same way Built for warmer climes Beach is her sandman

  I wish for the hush of the snow A silence enduring  Freshly plowed streets Crystal Icicles I look out on the white abundance And sip my coffee Until the last moment When I hear the children sledding down the hill. The world, for a moment Is at peace.

  Open your mind Before you open your mouth Canapés are so yesterday Quiche is the new way For the new day At the tavern.

It hangs on the wall A Christmas bribe More permanent than a cookie Woman from long ago Looking for comfort The cat was more faithful She vanished Following a soldier into battle. Never settling down  Never finding peace.

  An illusion. Styrofoam snow And vinyl greens We say we honor the spirit We honor the material Commercials for cars The latest distraction Of the banquet table Stretched to the horizon. We starve  Our elbows are locked open While the snow falls And the fire rages Thinking we are the lucky man.