there is nowhere you need to be

photo by Diane Arbus

the story that the goat didn't tell

I am waiting for the goat to tell the whole story, for the ducks of morning to paddle away in protest, and for the republicans in congress to open their chests with pry bars and take out their hearts. It might be a long wait. I want the republicans to hold their pitiful hearts up to the warmth of the sun. The guards have seized the throne room and sent out for pizza. Is this part of some dream? The ducks have returned and the goat isn't talking, she just stands there calmly eating the flowers. Yellow goat eyes, a bright yellow sun, and republicans holding withered dark things above their ugly, pointed heads. 

james lee jobe

do you hear the sacred silence

slip your feet into the green water of putah creek
touch the valley stones with your toes
there is nowhere that you need to be
the wind is up from the south
and cools down the long hot sacramento valley
day slips into evening.
is that a hawk or a turkey vulture
you don't know for sure
it circles a half mile above you
and you close your eyes
this is your life
you never planned to come here
and you never intended to stay
and then half of your life eased by
much like the current in this creek
you are a good deal older now
ducks swim over by the far bank
the sun drops down behind the vaca hills
there is nowhere you need to be
and for a moment you nod off
with your feet still in the cool water

james lee jobe

“Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others.”

William J.H. Boetcker (1873-1962)

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Thanks, jlj