1 Poem by Art Heifetz

Night Wanderers

Like a sailboat striving

To catch the wind,

I shift from side to side.

Each time I get up and return

You awaken too         

As if in loving you

Our two lives have become

Synchronized.

You tuck the paisley comforter

Beneath my chin

And take my hand in yours

As if I were a frightened child

Seeking reassurance

From  his mother’s warmth.

When I slept at Mike and Gert’s apartment,

I listened to their comings and goings

Until I  learned to recognize

Their endless ablutions

And medical complaints.

Light on, light off,

They paraded through the night.

Now I too have joined the ranks

Of the night wanderers

It happened all too suddenly

The evening I looked into the mirror

And found my father’s tired eyes

Staring back at me

With such serious intent

I had to catch my breath

Bionote

Art Heifetz teaches ESL to refugees in Richmond, Va. He has published 50 poems in 5 countries since June. He is an ex-Peace Corps volunteer and retired State Farm agent. Life begins at 66.