Brookhaven

Jerene brought Swep V and Cannon

To Brookhaven for a few days.

The boys explored the yard, the back lot,

Pilfered the playhouse, the attic,

Dragging out old junk, broken toys, etc.

And then, the highlight, Saturday

Night and the Exchange Club Fair

Their daddy had loved going to as a boy.

Cannon tossed, and tried to ring

Little bowls with goldfish.

Swep dunked the clown at the dunk tank,

Centering the target with a fast ball.

The tilt-a-whirl three times.

The nightcap, the train that creaked

As it circled the whole park.

Next day, leaving, I offered Jerene

Some auction jewelry to sort through.

She, emerald earrings, chose.

Thought, 40 years, the marriage done,

And still, this fierce afterglow.