Road Trip 2022, Day Four: ArtTREEsans

handmade arts and crafts
working their way through college
the way it should be

artisans, trees:
intertwine their native souls 
to make Earth special

Road Trip 2022, Day Three: Kentucky Creekside

Kentucky kayaks
have defined my sister’s life
this past fifteen years

through all the algae
fighting through climate crises 
we keep paddling

life is a rope swing
make a running circle out
and don’t hit the tree

those just-jumped-in grins
can win our independence 
from a dark future

the sun follows us
across six midwestern states
and lights these fires

firecrackers rule
the soft sunset in the hills 
of Kentucky

we discover shade
from the afternoon fire
with native trees; food

June: a harried month
with all the joys and sorrows
that make up this life

like this worn-out dog
i have nearly given up…
yet, i’m a Taurus.

and so i garden
though it, too, is a failure
stolen by flowers

this year’s loss, in pics:
weeds and grass and tearing out 
for one little heart

before the long drive,
enjoy the perfect park. shop.
soak up cousin time.

eat your sister’s meal
till the next time you see her.
too long (just too long).

your daughters will drive.
together, we can make it.
we will rule the night.

it’s all we can rule
with the oldest off to school
we can rule the night.

cycling through hills
of perfectly green horse farms 
before paddling

bucket lists are short
but should include Kentucky 
for its soft beauty

Kentucky surprise:
shadows, trees, sun, nieces, joy,
progressive murals

don’t assume you know
the beliefs of a red state 
until you’ve been there

sunrise on a pond 
a historic capitol
and these endless hills

my grandparents’ store
in this perfect little town
where they’ll always rest

Uncle Tim’s hard work
built for them from the ground up
(now he’s retired)

the pond where we swam 
and where i brought my toddler 
now off to college

how harsh time can be
taking everything away
yet giving us life