October 2021
Bio Note: I believe I’ve had work—poems, essays, or both—in each issue of Verse-Virtual since March of 2015. So if there’s anyone reading this note who doesn’t already know who I am, I’ll be both surprised and delighted. Whatever your situation, thank you, and you’re welcome to learn more about me on my website www.davidgrahampoet.com.
Talking With Uncommitted Voters
They are so uncommitted we easily gather them in under fluorescent lights in hotel conference rooms. We discuss their views, their leanings. How much they appreciate it when the candidate grins and says "Good question, Todd!" and "I'm very happy you asked that." Their own views on the issues are not firm. They could go either way. So they brighten when the candidate picks up his wireless mike and strides to the edge of the stage, making good eye contact. They are so uncommitted they're drawn helplessly toward the confident voice, the smiling blue suit, like frantic moths around the porch light someone left on by accident or design, it hardly matters, for either way, they'll be here in the morning, the uncommitted, clinging exhaustedly to the screen, wings folded tight.
Originally published in Presto (December 2008).
Today Two Things Happened
My dog sneezed on the sidewalk
and a passing boy blessed him.
I bought a new phone, but the first call
was a woman asking for Kenny.
Bless you, Kenny, if you ever read this.
Somewhere a woman is looking for you.
©2021 David Graham
Editor's Note: If this poem(s) moves you please consider writing to the
author (email address above) to tell her or him. You might say what it is about the poem that moves you. Writing to the author is what builds the community at Verse Virtual.
It is very important. -JL