For Jody

It’s a damned dangerous job

parking on the wrong side of the street

the ice and snow  on walks in winter

no air-conditioned trucks, helmets

in July, in August

there is a chance of attack

slight but there

from the angry, lonely

she never seems to worry, though

carries bills, catalogs, circulars

and the odd letter

from elderly to elderly

young lovers

who still want to put words

on paper

not risk them to electronica

some of her clients become friends

offering a freshly baked cookies, lemonade

as a slight repayment for her hard work

will it go on forever

or will the Lord of the Manor

of the Federal Government

save money by axing her job

transferring a few billion

to build another nuclear sub at Groton

the strength,  the energy, the  passion

of her mind and body

makes her put on her blues

five days a week

even if the personal value

of what she carries diminishes

people still listen for her song

Kendall Merriam, Home, 4/26/2020 1:35 p.m.

Listening to house sounds.