Hello, Neighbor
for all good neighbors & neighboring
The courtly old lady,
widowed for decades,
and her calico cat,
who take
each afternoon sun
together in a chair
by their picture window.
The newly married couple,
starry-eyed,
full of love,
full of lightness.
The next-door family’s kids
you see skipping
off to school,
lunchboxes in hand,
or flying kites
in the park.
The middle-aged man
who likes to grow roses
and play soulful arias
from vintage Italian operas.
The young woman,
freckle-faced, a lass with glasses,
quiet as a cloud,
who works
at the local library,
and waves at everybody
driving or walking by.
The neighbor
who keeps his front yard
neat as a pin;
even sweeps
his front sidewalk
and, without asking,
also sweeps yours.
People with real names,
thoughts, feelings,
cares and dreams.
As meaningful as yours.
Each of them a weave
in the life, the tapestry
of the neighborhood.
Most of them living
their lives as well
as they can.
From managing their twists
and turns
to seeking their comforts
and joys.
All of them appreciating,
like warm rays of sun,
any gestures of kindness,
any moments of more than
passing, passive connection.
From a simple, heartful
hello, to a kind smile,
or helping hand. Or
just the comfort of knowing
there’s a good neighbor,
another decent man
or woman,
dwelling thoughtfully,
and peaceably,
nearby.
Colin Goedecke
Westerly-by-the-Sea,
Rhode Island
October 2023
