Setting the Scene

I had nothing to do with that Jesus thing where

Judas sold him out for thirty pieces of silver.

I did not take part in Caesar's crossing of the

Rubicon. Nor did I help heard a trail of Hannibal's

Elephants across the Alps. I missed the signing of

The Declaration of Independence by a couple hun-

Dred years. I did, however, awaken on a Western

Nebraska farm on a chilled March morning several

Years ago. I recall being the first one up in that house-

Hold just after the break of dawn. I made some fresh

Coffee, looked out the frosted kitchen window and

Saw a small herd of cattle a few yards off under a stand

Of cottonwood trees. Each steer wore a blanket of

Snow on their back which had fallen as I slept the night

Before. This static event was not of biblical or historical

Significance, but at least I was present. And, it did paint

A serene pastoral scene on the canvass of my psyche

Which will hang in the museum of my memory forever.

I sipped my coffee slowly, and with great satisfaction.

It was brewed as I like it—hot, black and strong.

Chris Hanch 5-25-17