Visiting II

When I visited my father’s parents, I was glad to be allowed to call on friends a few doors away. When not home I headed of to the salt marsh. There I found what a child would love. Especially having moved back east from a segregated part of St. Louis, where Civil Rights and Dr. Martin Luther King were discussed as “Handing the country over to the Communists,” and part of some sort of evil machinations in religious undertones I really didn’t understand.

The few things I liked then were my frst grade teacher Mrs. Wandling, who was glad I could read. Playing stick-ball in the street. Two friendships that remain to this day. And Mike Shannon, the St. Louis Cardinal shortstop, who when he visited his mother just up the street sometimes handed out tickets to we eager kids. Though I was never well positioned to snatch one. When fnished he’d look up at those in back as if to say and may have: “The lesson to learn is be quick.” A lesson in the making that took decades, certainly. I clearly recall how cramped houses were, even for celebrities, making them like me and my parents.

Besides visiting grandparents who doted on me, the salt marsh held special appreciation. Openness at the confuence of three worlds where thoughts foat upwards— signatures without pretense.

Gulls white as angels though scavengers really. The decay and rebirth.

The glinting sea and the sun’s pure light. Summer warmth. White snow. Forest of tall reeds and blue sky.

Neck

Larry Penner Great

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a former Director for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Ofce of Operations and Program Management.

The sun blazes for everyone. Another way to enter the world. Another way to enter life.

The salt marsh a wilderness— A world of discovery and I liked to linger. Perfect happiness.

Stephen Cipot Garden City Park

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