After the Wind
Having quietly come into a bit of money,
which might sound a bit sticky but was
not enough to cause over-excitement,
he didn’t buy a splendid new vehicle.
Nor did he snore to Dubai or cruise Hawaii.
He did buy a winter coat of a quality not
previously considered. Not even on sale.
He wondered if he should seize such a rare
opportunity to change his life then laughed
out loud as he walked along a silty canal
then stopped for fruit toast and coffee
at the cafe where they would burn toast
just how he liked it. He had lived simply
by necessity while managing to feel
fortunate before his wee windfall.
Didn’t have any debilitating maladies;
did have a writing desk, food in fridge,
enough clothes and books in rows.
Travel by TV meant no delayed flights,
no lugging of worn luggage
[which even sounds Heavy].
In still sound mind, it was settled.
Egg for breakfast, morning stroll,
lunch of spuds, greens, mix of beans,
perhaps a chop, the habitual siesta
before kite flying or haiku hunting.
So, not much – but enough – was new.
He’d continue to be just what he was,
a quiet neighbour in the land of Aus-
tralia.