[Critique Group 2] re-sending for Val

[Alice Massa]

NPM Greetings to Group 2 writer/poet friends!

I added another stanza at the end of the poem which I posted on the WPL 
on April 16.I placed a double asterisk prior to the onset of the addition.

Take good care!

* * *

*Silver Dreams from a Gazebo*

poem for Day 16 of National Poetry Month by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

No matter what the stage of life,

dreams drift in and dreams drift out.

Dreams are dropped into a wishing well,

tossed with coins into a fountain.

Some dreams are dropped into a bucket

while some are held like a pretty nosegay in aging hands.

My dream for once-upon-a-silver-time

is to return to my homeland,

the acreage my grandfather purchased in 1914.

the former field, now extended yard,

between my home and woods,

is the perfect place for a gazebo.

I will have it built

right where the sheep shed was.

Then, when I return to my Indiana,

my guide dog and I will sit

in the wooden gazebo, painted pastel pink,

look toward the east at the gob pile--

our Blanford Mountain,

a gift from the old mining company.

How we will recall our adventures there!

Then, I will gaze to the west,

where the corn field or bean field was,

but I will smell the present pine of the evergreens.

A glance back to the south

will remind me of the walks in the woods,

the tiny creek,

Morel mushrooms, fallen leaves--

like falling memories.

Finally, I will smile upon the northern expanse--

the view of the house

that was blessed as our home.

Was I once in a hometown Heaven,

or can I go back there?

Please send a little lamb to the gazebo.

**

When the passing comes,

You need not take my coffin to Sacred Heart Church,

Just let the coffin rest for a while

On the front porch

Parallel with the wooden swing.

Then, let the pallbearers carry my coffin to the pink gazebo.

Let me lie in state in my home state.

The birds, deer, and memories standing wake

Will be sufficient visitors

As long as my nephew

Plays on his violin

“The Ashokan Farewell.”

* * *

Best wishes for a happy remainder of NPM!

Alice and the PAW-et Laureate Willow

alicejmassa at gmail.com <mailto:alicejmassa at gmail.com>

written on April 16, 2021, Friday

revised on April 20, 2021, Tuesday, for critiques session on April 29, 
2021, Thursday

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