Tuesday, August 22, 2017

The San Joaquin















The San Joaquin Valley is infinite,
Livestock, wheat, and wine grape vines…
Alfalfa fields and rivers forever;
Mountains on the horizon lines.

There is something about the valley,
Never letting go of your heart…
You never forget the hard-working poor,
Or your soft spot for Mexican art.

I endured triple digit weather,
Tule fog that blinded one’s sight…
Looking back a half century later,
The Valley still seems “Just right”.

Friday, August 18, 2017

Pockets Full
















It was an overdue dream come true,
Seeing you step down from the plane.
My heart was full till you flew away,
As my pockets filled with rain.

Waiting decades for another visit,
Not in a dream, but a car or train…
I’ve finally started to let you go,
While slowed by pockets full of pain.


Thursday, August 17, 2017

Elderly Hobo

















The hobo life was romantic
Until the heart of the heartland changed…
Now when one leaves the box car,
Only an uncertain world remains.

The romance of the unknown,
Now keeps me awake at night.
The world is now unforgiving
Though shelter and food are in sight.

It’s easier to keep moving,
While staying close to the rails…
A lack of kindness is evident,
When trust in my hard work fails.