Becoming
Never laugh at the elders
Who meet at MacDonald’s in Hawaii
Never laugh at their animated conversations
On trips to Vegas and the best ramen at Hotel California.
Never laugh
Because eventually you will become them
As I have these cold winter months
After working out at the gym in early morn.
I walk across the street to La Bou
Stop by three or four tables
To exchange greetings with the regulars.
Monday through Friday, one conversation
Is a recording…
She speaks Spanish, I speak English…
We say Buenas Dias, Gracias and more Buenas Dias.
And smile without translation.
Are you that youngster at a table
Laughing at my limited vocabulary
Swearing you will never succumb
To life of the elders
Who drink the same bitter coffee,
Morning after morning
Staring at the world that never changes
Through last month’s spider webs
Except for a tree that reminds me
The seasons of my life are alive and well.
frances kakugawa 1/22.19
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