August 12, 2003
The gallery opening
Go out onto the large stone veranda.
From its sniper's tree-top vantage point--
sweeping clear down to the lake and beyond--
enjoy the start of evening.
See on the left how the lawn rises sharply upward
and the oaks conceal the overpass?
Gorgeous, this time of day!
You still can hear the I-10 traffic,
especially the 18 wheelers
easing off the gas or down-shifting
as they approach that acute curve heading west to the bridge,
their diesels sputtering like Spitfires
starting a take-off roll.
Look down below at the old martyred
public swimming pool cum sculpture park
...which would you prefer?...
where the black grass' thin fingers
cling to approaching dusk like Velcro--
feel the chill?
Go ahead.
Go outside balancing Chardonnay, cheddar and a cigarette;
lean against the veranda wall
and just wait.
It won't be long now.
One of those tall doors behind you
with the one-way glass will open and
she'll come walking out, smiling.