Seeing Imperfection

“There is to everything a season.”
Surgically improved vision is no exception.
It seemed our house was clean and my hair OK
I am now hounded by the visually insane.

If subjected to a barracks inspection
By a nasty First Sergeant
Neither me nor my room would pass.
But nostril hairs?

I’m not especially hairy
So an in-depth examination
Of follicles that were undisturbed since prepuberty
Seemed invasive.

In truth, it seemed demented.
When finished I was advised
That there was near rioting
As mustache and nose hairs fought for supremacy.

Before cataract surgery my nostrils
Were a matter of universal indifference.
Hairs did what hairs do,
And no one found it especially offensive.

Walls that looked white
Ae nowa pronounced “faded”,
In need of restoration.
This could cost $$$.

I’ve called the ophthalmologist.
What would it hurt if my wife’s eyesight
Were just 25/25?
He is not sympathetic.

Pushing the Cart

Dad pushed the shopping cart up the incline,
Not quite to the level sidewalk,
Gave a small final thrust
And turned to join me in the car.

I watched as the cart rolled down.
Catching my gaze, Dad looked back,
And twisting his face into a frown,
Retraced his steps to the descending cart.

He gave one big push,
Sending the cart back up the ramp,
Where it hit another cart sideways,
And stopped partway beyond the incline.

My Dad would never have left the job to chance.
He would have walked the cart up,
Secured it to the other carts
And then checked his work.

But this anxious old man,
Wanting to be driven home,
Pursued by tasks untended and unclear,
Found safety in the passenger seat.

My Vacation is Ruined

Evan found floating down the river
In a spare tire a ridiculous affair-
Uncomfortable, boring, with no redeeming adventure.
He pronounced his vacation ruined.

Diana looked around the small studio room
Becoming increasingly unhappy.
A hugh couch block the closet--- no balcony.
Her vacation was ruined.

Both Evan and Diana recovered.
50 years of life separating
Their perspectives, but
Mattered not at all.

It is moments of grace
That allow for the insight.
Age, education and experience take you so far
Then comes life.