62500
it took a six hour drive west on I-80
passing through the delaware water gap
pennsylvania pocono mountains
autumn colors
screaming to be noticed
and we DID notice them together every september
pausing to point out patterns blending
oranges, browns, golds
sharply contrasting against an electric blue sky
on the way
listening to sacred music from the cassette player
hours of no words spoken
none needing to be spoken
once there
tucked warmly within the shennengo valley
sharing dinner
cordially
effortlessly
discussing small things never having time to discuss back home
asking questions
the answers already known to me
imbedded in my daily routine for decades
hearing his voice
watching his eyes dance with delight
because he is alone with his youngest son
and I have the undivided attention of my father
it took six hours to get there
but for one weekend each september
noticing the artwork along pocono mountains
the majestic saturday morning sunrise in the shennengo valley
hearing his voice
seeing his eyes twinkle with pride and delight
I can say without hesitation
without blasphemy
it is a weekend spent in heaven
