I pass the old man
on his balcony.
Huge sunglasses
through which he watches
like a
diurnal owl;
the world unfolds below him.
Just like my dad liked to sit.
I don’t wipe away
my tear.
poem- sign May 22, 2014
Out front the high school
Each morning,
A man stands,
Bearing above his head a
One word pronouncement.
Watching parents leaving
Their children,
Teachers driving in,
He tilts his sign to catch
All eyes.
Morning after morning:
PRAYER.
Each day I ponder
His cryptic word.
Is it protest
or encouragement?
Prayer ?
for kids
to be attentive?
to do their homework?
to embrace their learning opportunity?
to have supportive homes?
Prayer for staff
to be patient?
to be available?
to see what needs to be seen?
to do what needs to be done?
It’s not such a terrible reminder,
for anyone,
whatever the motivation.
Shawn L. Bird 