From
the Chronicles of Semperton
Semperton is not completely
contained
between Sally's Diner
where she used to make pudding
before shutting off the neon sign
and the chapel
where her funeral
was held.
Immerfort
Construction
pushes earth
to the
flood plain
for
subdivisions to take shape.
At the geographic center,
Mary Everett skims her spoon
over milk boiled too long.
Her mother's head rocks
at Belcrest Manor
drooling.
Bob is waiting for carnations to
cool
behind glass at the florist shop
for the prom.
Behind
his father's silo
the weeds are in need
Of a scythe.
The
fairground recoils
from the rock group:
"Half-Life Isotope."
At
the interstate onramp,
Mike
Everett lifts a fist
in anger
at the driver of a truck.
Music,
love, and death
as lightning strikes the silo.
Semperton
after the funeral
understands everlasting love
from plates of beef
from potatoes
and green beans.
Families
kneel in prayer
to grant God permission.
Later, Sharon Altide and Jim
Tousher make love
in a situation acceptable
to forty-three percent
of those who would do it
differently.
Her mother is out of town
for the weekend.
─
