(featuring lines from Mary Oliver’s “Mysteries, Yes”)

Our calendars don’t always let

us do this, but today, come with me:

All these chores will keep,

and I’d like some company

on a walk. Your bad hip always

slows you down—I’ll go slow with

you. We’ll look out for those

Carolina wrens, little scamps who

flit in the hazels and say

“Potato-potato!” If we spot one—“Look!”

I’ll try to get a photo, and

this time it won’t be of my thumb. Let’s laugh

today, or try to. I admit I feel trapped in

a cycle of cynicism and astonishment

at how things get so bad so fast. And

I fear we, too, may finally bow

and buckle. For the children, their

sakes, we must keep clear, loving heads.