Poppa

A polished oak chair in the hearth room

rocks silently on the knotted floor.

Keeper of the peace

at once steady and commanding

presides silently.

Children scuffle and momma

boils a stew.

Loaded with kindling,

a caste-iron stove

waits

for a light from the man in the

rocking chair

who stops swaying to

reach the book on the side table:

The Lone Ranger.