Poet Laureate

By Carol Grieb

Driving

Under leafy arches of dark, red, brown and gold;

Looking

For you in yards not quite right;

I ring

You up: “Where are you?”

“Waiting

For you!”

Backing

Up to the right street and you are in:

Closing

The door to fill the car with orange blossoms

Like Spring.

We’re off for Tom Wam at Zen Zero before

Arriving

At the Union to sit where he sees us.

Relaxing,

You offer me a stick of gum and Kooser is

Offering

That gesture is important: it forms his poetry.

I bring

You near and pat your back.

Closing

Our eyes, we open our ears to the poetry of gesture.

Exiting,

Your professor smiles and greets us.

Hurrying

Outside past historical Jayhawks, I discharge my

Gum: – Ping! –

Into a conveniently raised tree bed, and

Laughing,

You do the same.

– Carol Grieb lives in Lawrence.