AGE I

The day is brightening
Clouds breaking, afternoon
Sun making shadows
Bells clanging, ringing on
Saturday’s 4:00 p.m. Mass
Parades of people make rounds
Around the Park, some climb
The temple’s stairs, parrots
Whirl, chatter in tree tops
My bench needs painting
Taxis, a red samba in cue
Carry off shoppers, today
A family birthday, I sent a card
By internet, age doesn’t creep
Anymore, we run to stay in line
Dancing isn’t easier, either
However, desire to, still rages
I am a wanderer, exiled here
Far from the Chinook thaw
But I am the water liberated
The heavens are closing again
Grey has crowded out the blue.

c) Jan G. Otterstrom F.
    March 10, 2007
    Palmares, Costa Rica