The upside of down

is something only

optimists pursue. 

Pessimists have

their feet planted

firmly underground

as they watch for

the downside of up.

                                                      JDG

My granddaughter Sami says

she hasn’t given up hope

that I might become

more like the grandmothers

she’s read about in books,

seen in movies and on tv.

She hasn’t given up hope

that I’ll put away

my swear words coloring book,

 don a flowered apron,

and make batches of cookies

as uplifting music softly plays.

                                                                                          JDG

” Look,” my granddaughter said,

pointing to clouds in the  morning sky.

“There’s a lavender chicken

watching us from up on high. 

I know you’re into signs

and portents and stuff, 

but what do you make 

of that piece of fluff?”

” Ah,” I said, looking wise,

“that’s nature warning 

us not to take drugs.”

She looked at me with

rolling eyes and heaved

a long and purple sigh.

                                                                                                  JDG