After Me

 

After me someone will reach for an apple, a pear,

a peach at the grocery store.

After me someone will feel and breathe the cool

and sweet mountain air.

After me someone will stand on a sandy beach at

sunset and see the brilliant glowing sky turn into night.

After me the sea, the stormy sea, a concerto

then a symphony.

After me the madhouse then peace and tranquility.

After me bells will ring, a child will cry as the old

man rages, the oak sheds its gold autumn leaves.

After me doors will open and close, dust will gather,

flowers bloom, murmurs abound in a crowded room.

After me glory and doom.

Ships will sail, coupled boxcars ride the iron rails.

Birds will perch on telephone lines and sing after me.

After me razor blades, basketball and roller skates.

After me prom dates, high school and college graduates.

After me dreary, cold, warm and lovely days.

After me festive holidays and anniversaries to celebrate.

After me itches which irritate, muscles will ache, pizzas

ordered early shall arrive cold and too late.

Fresh bread and Peter Cotton Tails, nursery rhymes

hard times, duck blinds, treasures and gold mines

after me.

Open fires, bald faced liars, worn out tires after me.

After me broken arms, lucky charms, wooden barns,

soy bean farms.

After me boys and girls in Levi and Wrangler Jeans,

hockey games and diamond rings, nuts and bolts,

rubber bands and balls of string.

Before and after me, all these things I have and

have not seen. The many things I have considered

and what’s more, a lot I have not.

                                   -30-

Chris Hanch 625-2020