Today’s jewel-like promise largely dissipated,
I walk home to clear my head. Gulls are wheeling
and crying overhead. Just off the old pier, a sea
otter investigates one side of a net. Leaves are
turning. A crimson claw-leaf from a broad-leaf
maple beckons from pavement ahead of me.
Memorial plaques are scattered throughout this
bayside park. Over the years I’ve looked at all
of the plaques embedded in concrete, rested at benches
with tablets inscribed with more names of loved ones
now dead, thankful for remembrance and for
the generosity of those who remain. I’ve noted
names on one plaque before—names of six victims
of violent crime with inclusive dates of lives cut short,
women and men of varying ages at time of death.
Today something is different: a bouquet of fresh cut
flowers lies under the plaque’s caption. Today a promise
is renewed: they are not—will not be—forgotten.
Andrew Shattuck McBride
September 26, 2012
PaPoWriMo ~ 2012 *Day Three Poem*
Andrew Shattuck McBride, Writer's Blog 
Bravo, Andy! You are three for three! I really like the occasional rhymes with the “-en” sounds here.
Still working on “Tweets from Hephaestos.” Hope to have it ready soon!
Dear Jennifer, thank you so much.
“Tweets from Hephaestos”–LOL
As our friend Tsena might say, I lovelovelove the title!
(((smiling)))
Blessings, Andy