To the Grandfather I Never Met
Mark Stokes

It was such a good feeling to know
you’re alive-
a child in an old man’s play shoes.
Your cardigan sweaters
brought a soothing routine
from the neighborhood’s dank avenues.
You nurtured the children that
break-danced outside.
You taught us that toilets don’t bite.
With speedy deliveries
and random phone calls,
you proved that we can be polite.
The neighborhood’s vacant
now that you’ve moved away.
Your street light now ceases to blink.
The picture lies dormant.
Your fish have all gone.
No more Dixie cups under the sink.
King Friday is silenced
just like X the Owl.
The Boomerang Zoomerang’s lost.
They all spoke great wisdom
which blossoms and grows,
though their voices dissolved with the frost.
You’ve left quite a kingdom
none other can rule.
Your snappy day’s finally through.
When the trolly’s descending
to change my address,

I pray that I’m neighbors with you.

Gray Decision

Stephanie Whaley

Gray decision
walks with me in
a labyrinth of
uncertain disorder
as probable regret
whispers in my ear.

Lori Wilson