Things Wild and Free
2 Poems
By Joseph Roque
Peregrine
What are the chances
of a single falcon feather floating
slowly to the ground in front of me―
a beautiful blue-gray with spotted
dabs of soft white underneath.
I have seen these graceful birds
in flight and studied their proud lineage,
dating back to biblical times, perched
on the arms of ancient kings and nobles―
fierce and fearless predators, masters
of the sky, soaring on the slightest wisp of air.
What a lucky find.
I will treasure this gift and reminisce on days
to come when I can no longer roam―
yearn to remember things wild and free.
GLISTEN
Ode to Summer
Sun sizzles,
sweaty skin glistens;
drips on soft sand
and tanned flesh―
reminds me there is so much
more to life than asphalt
and steel, more than
concrete cities choked
with coarse crowds.
I like it here,
knee deep in emerald
green Gulf water; powdery
white sand between my toes.
I will quietly blend in with all
that is simple and serene,
sell scarce, stunning seashells
for pocket change
and casual conversation;
teach poetry part-time
to the children―
Look westward every day’s end,
face the sky and setting sun
and whisper:
Thank you, God―
For every amazing bit of all of it.
Joseph Roque is a poet who frequently writes about life, love, loneliness, growing older, alienation, and the joys of youth. His poems have appeared in Psychopoetica, Mad Swirl, Aphelion, Death Head Grin, The Poet’s Haven, RagMag, and Cerebration. His latest book is Ashes And Excuses.