The blissful cloud of summer-indolence
Benumb’d my eyes—John Keats
Afternoon, the time to take a horizontal perspective
and to attempt the book review section
but instead to drift inevitably out to sea
whose waves lap against one’s thought
just as they will embrace the shore long after we depart.
To give oneself over to wonder
on glimpses still floating on the surface of one’s memory
Of the clay that buttresses the cliffs—will it survive storms from another year?
Of what bird left the tracks too large for the plucky sandpipers seen today
Of the toddlers reaping knowledge from sand
A new turn in the cycle…
Might they come to venerate this strand where the dry earth
converses with the uncompromising deep.
Wandering then to a gallery of Impressionist floating boats and wire-wrought fish
to worship and wonder some more…
Contentment speaks from the aphorisms scratched on souvenir stones
If even I am stirred, surely some
will bring those cursive sympathies to checkout,
a banner for their home and another season for the consignment store.
And thought continued to swirl and drizzle like
specks of foam upon the switchgrass.
During the day’s meandering banter
Our talk of masonry repairs, favorite congressional commentators, children’s career moves,
We remembered that the best fish for grilling shines from its icy wooden plank early in the day
The crisp vegetables must be fried but briefly.
Good eating leaves one ready for card games and the puzzle page
and at a suitable distance from world’s tumult
to step finally into the book review section.
Andy Oram
July 12, 2024