Author: Marty Luster

In The Heart of Downtown

Even in the heart of downtown we can find

a place of serenity, where the mind can be cleared

and the spirit renewed.

Even in the heart of downtown, the sun finds a place

between two trees, bringing light and warmth

to body and soul.

Even in the heart of downtown we can discover a

placid place within ourselves and understand that

a greater peace will come only after we visit

that private sanctuary.

Even in the heart of downtown we can pause and re-tune

to the rhythm of our breath and the melody of internal silence,

aware of, but not concerned with, the barking dog

just a few feet away.

Marty Luster

We are here on the planet once only, and might as well get a feel for the place.

 ANNIE DILLARD

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Autumn’s Army

I drove out to West Gloucester along Concord Street

and found a spot where one of the many little creeks

that form much of Essex Bay floods the marsh and,

at high tide, gently meets the roadbed.

It was there, at that exact spot, that autumn,

having slowly and silently infiltrated from the east

confronted the last remaining troops of summer

across the tranquil reflective pool.

On the west bank stood the trees of summer,

looking somewhat pale and worn, but still

wearing the green uniform of forces

that have seen days and nights of glory.

On the east massed the army of the new season,

resplendent in the colors of its order

and resting before fording the flood to

take the retreating enemy in a display of brilliance.

I’ll drive out to West Gloucester along Concord Street

in a few weeks to see how autumn’s army is getting along.

“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.”

–Anonymous