i walk my puppy,
fight weekend grocery store crowds,
and bake a cheesecake
before 10 a.m.,
i cook raspberry compote
and finish laundry
by noon, i’m ready
to begin this Sunday cleanse
and climb out of here
the city beckons
(no, no—the world beckons
for another chance)
our democracy
and the fate of our future
rest with how we vote
(even though it’s cracked,
my daughter’s birthday cheesecake
is one of many)
let this election
be one of many chances
to give us all hope
a quick Target run
in the midst of a snowstorm
after a meeting
(don’t procrastinate
or there’ll be no chocolate
for any kiddos)
ski redemption date
with my pomapoo sled dog
ready to venture
a winter scene rests
before the real snow comes
and powders us all
city, oh city
from sunrise to blue skies, love:
always beautiful
cracked convenience sign
lighting the struggling tree
our city’s backdrop
welcome back, Pilot
we’re sorry we wrecked you, girl
please forgive our luck
a tornado scare
led to this downtown hassle
with a sparkling Vista
delayed flight gave time
for a capitol your
offering domed wealth
my man has arrived
for our drive to the North Woods
where water saves all
miles of mansions,
waterfront owned by city,
planning perfection
cycling throughout
with restaurants in most parks?
happiness, designed
lakes and waterfalls
even a creek for a dip
could you ask for more?
lakes are not enough
to keep this city spinning
(wheat connects us all)
the bread of our lives
lives in these shared memories
that we’ll feast upon
from book shops to dusk
in a city new to us
we’ll catch this twilight
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