For the time being, I’m just fine with
Jennifer Martin thrusting her cat at me.
I’m not too fond of cats, and hers doesn’t
Like me. It squirms and runs off toward
The nearest dark corner, but Jennifer stays,
Legs drawn up underneath her. We talk
About things that are of no importance,
The weather, the dread duty of raking up
Leaves. She has biscuits, which we both
Dip into our coffee. Her wall clock strikes
Two. I’ve been here since eleven, and, for
The time being, I’m fine.
Born 68 years ago in Florida, I grew up in Bellevue, Washington. My childhood was unexceptionally suburban. I knocked around quite a bit after finishing high school, bouncing from college to college to trade school to crummy jobs which allowed me to live in poverty in Seattle. Eventually, I got married,
moved to the Midwest, and picked up a couple of college degrees. My wife and I ended up in Omaha, Nebraska. We have four grown children and four grandchildren. After having assembled statistical reports for an electrical utility, written online and hard copy analyses of financial markets for credit unions around the nation, and taught economics at the local community college, I now work part time at a discount store. Yopu can see more of Lawrence’s poetry at this link: https://www.poetbay.com/poetHome.php?writerId=3876
5 thoughts on “‘Visiting Jennifer Martin’ by Lawrence Beck”
I just love this poem. When I read it I ‘see’ much more than Lawrence’s words actually say. I can almost be in the room where they are, and can even smell the coffee. Such an evocative poem, and in my opinion an excellent one.
Thank you for sharing this on Parapraxis, Lawrence.
With the glitch my comments were lost, so what did I say before, other than I found this poem brings to life a small moment of time; and in that moment is all the time that was needed. Thank Lawrence.
What a marvelous piece of work Lawrence, is exceptional. I used to read allens’ posts till now but now when I read yours, i must say that you are no less than Allen ( no offence allen, you are still my favourite). Really great use of gustatory imagery, I almost got the taste of biscuit dipped in coffee while reading your poem. Appreciate it.
I just love this poem. When I read it I ‘see’ much more than Lawrence’s words actually say. I can almost be in the room where they are, and can even smell the coffee. Such an evocative poem, and in my opinion an excellent one.
Thank you for sharing this on Parapraxis, Lawrence.
With the glitch my comments were lost, so what did I say before, other than I found this poem brings to life a small moment of time; and in that moment is all the time that was needed. Thank Lawrence.
Dougie
You are stealing the light in comment section dougie.. lol.
Hi Mike
I merely bask in the light of your reflected glory!…..lol!
Dougie
What a marvelous piece of work Lawrence, is exceptional. I used to read allens’ posts till now but now when I read yours, i must say that you are no less than Allen ( no offence allen, you are still my favourite). Really great use of gustatory imagery, I almost got the taste of biscuit dipped in coffee while reading your poem. Appreciate it.