Ransom

By: Charles Giuliano - Nov 03, 2023

 

Ransom

Proof of life
Where the abducted
Is photographed
Holding up that day’s paper
So and so is alive
On such and such a day
Send money or else
Irony though that
There are no newspapers
At least very few
Not like when
Globe, Times, WSJ
Delivered daily
Our Webster St.
Three-decker in
East Boston
Got the Herald
I wrote for it
To read with lunch
So now harder
Proof one’s alive
Send cash anyway
Lots and lots of it
Flowers will do
I still thrive
For what it’s worth
How’s by you
Ever more ancient
Friends and enemies
More former than latter
Not that it matters
Those ancient feuds
Hubris of youth
Clash and clatter
Still I wonder
Above ground
When last we checked
An annual call
How are y’all
I’m Ok hope you are too
What have you
Done for me lately
Or I for you to be
Honest and fair
Slogging along
Hand at the tiller
Through rough water
Over the falls
To tide pool of
Time and memory
Still and calm
Not there yet
Doing all I can
While it’s possible
Learn but forget
With bated breath
Never a wasted moment
Much to do and
Miles before we sleep