I'm Listening
Rajean Gallagher
2006

Church bells bang and a Jordanian man
Is speaking suddenly, sweet lilting
speech contradicted by the lawn mower.
His hands are beautiful
         and brown like my own.
The interstate growls behind us.

He's explaining how his 99-year-old father has come to
American to visit,
          here on the south side of Chicago.
Life is easier & simpler somewhere else I'm sure.

A trimmer whizzes and gentle chocolate eyes,
fluttering expressive hands tell me of his world
and realize:
             I'm listening.