Encountering Kansas


I always knew

Kansas would speak to me

from gliding knolls

waving sheets of wild grain

untouched by intrusive scythe

Invisible wheels would serenade

from languid ruts and shaven rocks

Kind Topeka

offered warmth

and creamy beige in steaming cups

congenial chat

veins of gold I knew were there

Ushered out by midwest morn

we left the gold, but took the veins

in images

and echoes

that we return to

when Kansas is long behind
Dedicated to my friend, Mac.