John Swetnam’s most recent poem to appear here was “Lies” (November 2016)
For Roger
By John Swetnam
We walked that day without thinking, ambling
the path along the creek. Ducks were busy in the reeds.
We didn’t throw them crusts from our sandwiches.
We knew the crumbs would burgeon in their stomachs.
We talked that day without thinking, as friends do
who do not censor or impress, but say
what whatever comes to mind. We knew
that I was leaving soon for Philadelphia.
We’d been along that bank since we were six,
skipped stones, captured crawfish, sneaked beers
sucked on red hots to hide our breath.
Then it was time to go; no promise to return.
We didn’t know we’d never meet again, or if we did
the air would be contaminated with nostalgia.
So much gleaming insight here…. Well done!
A fine parting poem. Thanks for sharing it. HGL
A moving poem, well done.
Excellent poem, filled with truth and melancholy, I loved it.
James
Very powerful, especially the last three lines.
Memories of youth. Painted with a flare.
We have known Roger for many years. His wife Marsha and I take get school together in NJ. She told me about your poem. What a wonderful memory. Great writing.