All the paths left behind the mower
are straight and true
It gives me satisfaction, just like you
get from the trails left by the wooden
rake in Zen garden sand
You know, around those cool big rocks…?
Our house old but solid, big compared
to where I grew up, and it’s fine
It’s a fine house for raising fine kids
Surrounded by fine old-growth trees
and old-growth neighbors
There are proper sidewalks and yellow
road signs that caution drivers to drive
slowly because there are children playing
And a bunch of fine people in the same
stage of their life as we are
So, it’s all very fine
And, if I’m being honest, my parents are
much prouder of my house than I am
“Honey, that boy was a helluva challenge
but would you look at him now…”
Parents. And all the people that doubted me
All the people that I busted my ass in college
and in my work all these years to prove wrong
Just to show them…
And you know what?
They’re all dead now
And I’ll bet they didn’t even notice.
