Mel Packer: Big Rock Vacation

We drank cold homemade limoncello

In the swirling water of the hot tub on the porch

And we didn’t worry about anyone seeing us

Naked.

 
Later, we made love and were glad

That these two old people

Could still enjoy each other

Without making fools of ourselves.

 
The next day, we took long walks,

Wandering over the top of Big Rock

Where they say “Old Raridan”,

One of the last wolves around,

Spent his final moments after

Dragging the carcass of his mate

To the top

To mourn, and to die.

 
And I wondered if I would do the same

Or would I just lie down beside her

To mourn, and to die.

—

Copyright 2016 Mel Packer.

Mel Packer is a peace and justice activist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.