Retrospective

Deep in a cavern of limestone formations,
in the dim shadow of a stalactite,
as we were listening to the group leader,
I met my childhood friend Carl White.

Just before that...

We joined our group at the mouth of the cavern,
another group had gone in just before.
I held my wife’s hand as we started walking,
all set to see nature’s underground store.

And before that...

We rode the bus as we left the Ramada,
seeing the beauty of New Mexico.
Julie was giddy and giggled profusely,
anxious to see all the marvels below.

Prior to that...

We kicked the sheets off precisely at seven,
turned on the weather and put away yawns.
Down in the lobby we had continental,
happy to partake in interstate dawns.

Before that...

We took a Piper Cub out of El Paso,
flew east-northeast to a local airport.
Then to the Inn we were driven expressly,
feeling fatigued as the day was cut short.

And prior to that...

Our Boeing jet left directly from Cleveland,
crossing the heartland like old Arkansas.
Then as the jet made descent into Texas,
I felt the grip of a manicured claw.

Ere that...

Since Hopkins Airport was our destination,
we took our car for the hour long ride.
Julie told me she had no fear of flying--
there were a number of times that she sighed.

And even before that...

As we discussed going on a vacation,
we were intrigued by the choices we had.
Then Julie quipped as she poured me some coffee,
“Let’s take our vacation in Carlsbad!”*


39 Lines
Writer’s Cramp
January 18, 2014

*The Carlsbad Caverns of course.